County Lines Magazine — June 2026

www.DiSabatinoInc.com

Historic Fairville Inn in Chadds Ford

This historic property features 10 tasteful guest rooms, eight of which have gas fireplaces. The Main House features the guest reception area, living room, after-hours sitting room, dining room, kitchen and the possibility for 5+ additional rooms. Contact us for full details about what else is possible with this gorgeous property.

$3,150,000

c.1731 Treasure with Tasteful Updates & Additions

Set on 14.2 private acres well off the road, sits this 5BR, 4.1BA home with loads of antique charm plus a fabulous Primary Suite, stellar Kitchen, and spacious Sun Room which overlooks the large pool. The antique touches includes original floors, deep window sills and numerous fireplaces. Both the Living Room and Dining Rooms are particularly charming. Amenities include a 4 stall stable, a 3 bedroom Cottage and a large storage building. All this plus low taxes!

$2,489,000

Overlooks French Creek Golf Club’s 14th Hole

Set in Olde Bulltown Village is this charming 3BR, 2.2 BR home which combines the old with the new like cathedral ceilings, stunning main level primary suite, antique hardware, finished lower level and beautiful quarter sawn oak floors! The Great Room has a handsome fireplace, access to a covered porch & a wet bar.The kitchen has high-end appliances & handsome cabinetry. This wonderful property must be seen to fully appreciate its value, quality and location!

$1,585,000

Privately Set in Highly Protected Area

This may be one of the most architecturally distinct and amenity-rich homes on the market today! Privately set on 12 acres in an exclusive area in Unionville-Chadds Ford Schools is this spacious 5 BR, 3.2 BA home with a fabulous indoor pool! Chefs will love the gourmet Kitchen. Enjoy the views from the elevated Deck overlooking the Koi pond, Party Barn, Play House & Stable.

$2,975,000

Exceedingly Private Location Abutting ChesLen Preserve

Set on 23+ acres in a sought-after locations, this remarkable property combines a picturesque country setting with a custom home designed for comfort, elegance, and recreation. Privately sited & surrounded by open space that abuts the 1,263-acre ChesLen Preserve, the residence offers 5 BR, 4.2 BA, & exceptional equestrian facilities. The home’s highlight is the indoor pool with sauna, entertainment area, bar & kitchen. Unionville-Chadds Ford Schools!

$2,290,000

Fabulous Home in Private Location

Set on 12 private acres in Warwick Township and surrounded by protected open space along the French Creek stream, this 4BR, 3.2BA English Manor residence with Tudor elements blends timeless style with superior craftsmanship. Boasting over 5,000 square feet of living space, the home features handcrafted woodwork, fine millwork and elegant architectural details throughout. You will love the floorpan which has large spaces, great views & main level Primary Suite.

$1,475,000

Superior Family Compound with Four Living Units

This fabulous c.1886 house features 3 BR, 2.1 BA, great Kitchen and wonderful open floor plan. Additionally, the property has 3, one or two bedroom living units, making this an exciting opportunity for someone seeking a superior family compound! It is a short walk from the Brandywine Creek. This 3+ acre property boasts supper amenities. Mechanical systems have been updated. Unionville Schools. Low Taxes!

Sold Price: $1,400,000

Newer Home With a Long List Of Upgrades

This exceptional 5BR, 3.1BA home offers nine foot ceilings on both floors; a true Chef designed Kitchen with great space & high-end appliances; a main level Guest Suite; a fabulous Primary Bathroom & large Walk-in Closet plus a dramatic Family Room with lots of glass & an 18’ ceiling. Set in a newer community, this home is a short walk to the 200 acre West Bradford Township park! Sought-after Downingtown Schools.

$1,325,000

Great Home in Sought-after Brandywine Ridge

This custom 4BR, 4BA home is set on a private 1.1 aces cul-de-sac lot with mature trees and scenic green space. The main level features a grand two-story foyer; refinished hardwood floors; private home office and a spacious family room with vaulted ceiling and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. The updated kitchen includes custom cabinetry and high-end appliances. The finished Lower Level includes a full kitchen,

Wait Until You See the Primary Bath & Kitchen

This stunning Chadds Ford residence is set on 1.9 Acres with beautiful landscaping & significant privacy. This exceptional 4BR, 3.2BA home offers a spacious first floor primary suite and a fully updated gourmet custom kitchen that could grace the pages of a designer magazine. The primary bathroom also has a well deserved “Wow Factor”. The home is thoughtfully designed to combine comfort, elegance, and everyday functionality.

$1,350,000

Located in Community of Expensive Homes

This charming 3BR, 3BA Cape Cod style home is set on a private and peaceful 1.96 acre lot. Some of the home’s features include hardwood floors throughout; main level guest suite; a bright, heated Sun Room; a large Living Room with a fireplace and a spacious Family Room with lots of south facing windows. A Den off the Living Room could make a great Home Office. The two car Garage has been rough-plumbed for a bathroom in the storage loft.

$1,050,000

Great Property in Kennett Square

This updated 3BR, 2BA home is a “Must See”! The open floor plan features a generous living area that flows into an eat-in kitchen, complete with granite counters, white cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. The main level includes 2 BRs with hardwood flooring, updated hall BA, and a laundry/mudroom. Upstairs, the primary BR has an ensuite BA and walk-in closet. The finished attic offers flexibility for an office or storage. Unionville Schools!

$548,000

EDITORfrom the

JJoyous June! Weddings, summer dining, solstice sipping and more.

For a look at ultimate weddings, browse Emily Hart’s “Dazzling Diamonds, Shining RollsRoyces, Champagne Feasts.” From premier venues to personalized branding, every detail builds a memory. And the luxury extends back to the bachelor/bachelorette parties, writes Shannon Montgomery in “Final Fling, First Class.” Weekend-long events, international travel, yachts on the Riviera. Check our Guide to Wedding Venues & Services for ideas locally.

To help enjoy summer dining in the Brandywine Valley, Marci Tomassone prepared a guide with sure-fire picks, including County Lines’ “Best of the Best” choices from our January Dining Guide.

Another dining destination is West Chester, the county seat and Chester County’s de facto restaurant capital. From restaurants to retail to events and amazing people, West Chester has a lot going for it. Cara Corridoni explores in “What I about West Chester.”

Since June is for ice cream, Brandywine Table’s Liz Tarditi writes “Adventures by the Scoop.” She visited Hangry Bear Creamery in Kennett Square to learn more ways to savor ice cream. Liz also delved into the history and legends of the summer solstice and managed to find many ways to toast to the change of seasons in “Sing in the Sunshine, Dance in the Moonlight.”

For history, we revisit memories of the Bicentennial through a wagon train project. Heather Reiffer describes the journey in “Wagons Ho!” Main Point Book’s Shelley Laurence explores American history we may not know in “Celebrate Our Nation in Books.”

We round out the issue with Stephanie Kuniholm’s reflections on Jenkins Arboretum & Garden reaching 50 years in “A Living Legacy.” Plus, we highlight the finalists in our annual “Chester County in Bloom” photo contest. Vote for your favorite! Finally, Ed Malet spotlights lacrosse, baseball and rowing stars in “Independent Schools Vie for #1.”

As always, we have the Best Local Events, loaded with Family Fun ideas.

Thank you for reading.

Jo Anne Durako Editor

June

2026

Volume XLIX Number 10

PUBLISHER

Edwin Malet

EDITOR

Jo Anne Durako

ART DIRECTOR

Harvey Walls

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Marci Tomassone

Shannon Montgomery

FOOD

EDITOR

Liz Tarditi

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Susan Gillespie

Ivana Samsonova

Eddie Davis

BUSINESS MANAGER

Mary Jones

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Laurel Anderson / Cara Corridoni

Emily Hart / Elizabeth Hughes

Shelley Laurence / Carol Metzker

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brenda Carpenter / Roman Coia Wil Moore / Timlyn Vaughan

CONTACT US AT ValleyDel Publications, Inc. 515 S. Franklin St., Ste. 100 West Chester, PA 19382. 610-918-9300. Info@ValleyDel.com

Issue: $5.00

Subscriptions: $36/print; $12/digital Advertising: 610-918-9300

TO GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Send an email to Info@ValleyDel.com

To find County Lines, check our website’s “Get A Copy” page, pick one up at Main Point Books, Wellington Square Bookshop, Reads & Company and specialty food markets, or visit advertisers listed in the Index.

County Lines Vols. XLIX No. 10. Copyright, 2026 by ValleyDel Publications. All rights reserved. County Lines and County Lines Magazine (ISSN 0195-4121) are registered names of ValleyDel Publications, Inc. Use of these names without the consent of ValleyDel Publications, Inc. may subject the infringer to penalty and suit as provided by law.

CONTENTS

24 BRANDYWINE STORIES

Wagons Ho!

Heather Reiffer

28 CELEBRATE OUR NATION IN BOOKS

There’s more to our story than you might think

Shelley Laurence, Main Point Books

A LIVING LEGACY

50 years of Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens

Stephanie Kuniholm, Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens

32 WHAT I LOVE ABOUT WEST CHESTER

37 things you’ll love, too

Cara Corridoni 38

DIAMONDS, SHINING

CHAMPAGNE FEASTS…

Ultimate weddings

Emily Hart

GUIDE TO WEDDING VENUES & SERVICES

Edited by Marci Tomassone

FLING, FIRST CLASS

Bachelor and bachelorette parties are bigger — and more stylish — than ever

Shannon Montgomery

COUNTY IN BLOOM

Finalists in our annual photo contest

DINING GUIDE

Our guide to dining outside or in this summer

Edited by Marci Tomassone

SCHOOLS VIE FOR #1

Lacrosse, baseball, rowing and track

Edwin Malet

IN THE SUNSHINE, DANCE IN THE MOONLIGHT

And toast the solstice

Liz Tarditi

TABLE

Adventures by the Scoop — June is for ice cream

Liz Tarditi

Cover photo by Asya Photography. Top photo on this page by Liz Andolina Photography.

Springton Manor Farm

Laura Briggs

Photo

[Good to Know

Paint the Town. Next time you’re driving into West Chester, look for a new mural. Local artist Al Moretti was selected to create an America250 mural at 240 West Gay Street, across from St. Agnes Parish. Expect a patriotic mural celebrating our nation’s history in a similar style to Moretti’s mural at the Kennett Library. Moretti is slated to begin painting the mural in early June and should be finished in about two weeks. West-Chester. com/544/Public-Arts-Commission

Happy Trails. Look forward to exploring more of the Brandywine Valley by foot — or bike. Plans are underway to expand the Chester Valley Trail. Chester County officials recently announced a project to extend the trail — currently 18.6 miles long — and restore the historic Downingtown Trestle Bridge. Plus, the King of Prussia Business Improvement District plans to connect the Chester Valley Trail to the Schuylkill River Trail along North Gulph Road. Chesco.org/4643/Chester-Valley-Trail

Coming Soon. Three new businesses are coming to downtown West Chester — follow on social for updates. Wonderhouse is an inclusive play space and café with sensory and craft rooms, plus space for parties and classes. 129 E. Gay St. @WonderhousePlay. Leaves & Lore is a fantasy-focused independent bookstore — promising coffee and flowers, too. 118 N. High St. @LeavesAndLoreBookshop. And Train & Nourish is a women-only fitness studio opening this summer. 109 N. High St. @Train.And.Nourish

Wheel of Fortune. After over 130 years, the Phoenix Wheel has come home to Phoenixville. Crafted by Phoenixville steelworkers in 1893, the 78-foot-tall Phoenix Wheel — which predates the Ferris wheel — graced the Asbury Park boardwalk for nearly a century. Now, thanks to the Schuylkill River Heritage Center, the wheel has been expertly reassembled and now stands tall on Bridge Street. Just don’t expect to ride it yet — that’ll take several years and millions more dollars. PhoenixvilleFoundry.org

Curtains Up. After a devastating fire in 2023, the historic Oxford Theatre is rising from the ashes. The theater is being rebuilt as The Pearl, Theatre on 3rd, a new performing arts center. Still in the design phase, plans include a main stage, black-box theater, classrooms and a special event space. The Pearl hopes to be a cultural hub for southern Chester County, hosting performances, movies, musical events, children’s programming, lectures and community gatherings. ThePearlOxford.org

best Local Events [ ]

Brandywine Polo

Fridays & Sundays Through September 27

Town

Pack a picnic, bring your friends and celebrate Brandywine Polo’s 75th year. Everyone is welcome to watch polo Fridays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets, $15 online or $20 at the gate. Weather updates, call polo hotline, 833-BPCPOLO. BrandywinePolo.com

Tours and Village Walks 13 Tours for 13 Colonies

Through October 15

This series of free, guided summer strolls through historic neighborhoods, hamlets and villages welcomes you to join in celebrating America 250 with an expanded season. Tours focus on places, people and events in Chester County that defined the tapestry of history that shaped our nation. June 4, Women & Minorities in Malvern; June 11, Barnard Station: Pocopson Township; June 18, Caln Township Historical Commission: 300th Anniversary of Old Quaker Meetinghouse. Tickets, more tours and details at ChesCoPlanning.org/Historic/TownTours

June Picks

by Marci Tomassone

State Street Car Show in Media

June 7

Hosted by Media Business Authority and managed by the Historical Car Club of PA, the show is free and open to the public from noon to 3 p.m. on State St., Media. Free parking in Media borough public lots. VisitMediaPA.com

Brews at the Battlefield

June 13

Every toast feels bigger with America’s 250th right around the corner. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and head over to the Picnic Grove at Brandywine Battlefield, where the tent and tables will be waiting. Drinks will be poured, food will be shared, and the celebration will carry on into the evening. Benefits the Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates. Must be 21. 1491 Baltimore Pk., Chadds Ford. 5 to 8 p.m. $16–$45. BrandywineBattlefield.org

Art of Caring: Spring Soirée at The Hickman

June 5

Celebrate The Hickman’s 135th anniversary with dueling pianos, local flavors and a silent art auction. The event also highlights Brushstrokes of Purpose, The Hickman’s multi-year mural project designed by muralist Noah Burns. This community paint-by-number initiative brings residents, families and supporters together to help create a lasting work of art. The Hickman, 400 N. Walnut St., West Chester. 6 to 9 p.m. $125. TheHickman.org/Soiree-2026

Brandywine Valley Symphony Debuts

“An American Dream”

June 25

In a symphonic salute to America 250, the symphony performs a patriotic medley covering 250 years of our nation’s history, from “Yankee Doodle” to “God Bless the USA” and more. A new composition will be performed alongside timeless favorites by Gershwin, Copland, Bernstein and other noted composers. Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square. 7:30 p.m. $20–$65, includes entrance to the gardens. LongwoodGardens.org

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 7

Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute. Step inside the creative and innovative world of theme parks through the lens of Universal’s attractions, including Jaws, Minions, Sing, Super Nintendo World and more. You’ll experience the creativity, artistry and innovation behind Universal’s most epic attractions. 222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia. Times and tickets, FI.edu

JUNE 5 & 6

Strawberry Festival in Downtown Coatesville. A new take on the traditional Strawberry Festival, featuring midways rides for younger children, performing arts area with live entertainment, vendors, crafts and more. Benefits the greater Coatesville community. 1st & 3rd Aves., Coatesville. 5 to 9. Free with some pay-as-you-go attractions. DowntownCoatesvillePA.com

JUNE 7–NOVEMBER 1

First Sundays

Steamin’ Days at Auburn Heights. Climb into an antique automobile or board one of the trains and experience what it was like to travel at the turn of the 20th century. Tour the 1897 mansion that was home to three generations of the Marshall family. 3000 Creek Rd., Hockessin, DE. 12:30 to 4:30. $10–$15. AuburnHeights.org

JUNE 6

Relutionary War Kid’s Spy Camp. Kids will learn to read and write in cipher and code, find hidden messages in everyday objects, explore the science of invisible ink and develop their own secret identity. They’ll also learn about real spies. An America250 event at Goshenville Blacksmith Shop, N. Chester Rd., West Chester. 10 to noon. $20. WestGoshen.org

JUNE 8, 22, JULY 6

Grab a Blanket, Catch a Flick at Eagleview Town Center. Bring your blankets,

lawn chairs and loved ones for an evening of outdoor cinema. June 8, “Encanto;” June 22, “Clueless;” July 6, “WALL-E.” 565 Wellington Sq., Exton. 7 pm. Free. EagleviewTownCenter.com

JUNE 13

Strawberry Social at The Mill. Enjoy seasonal strawberry treats, mill demonstrations, bread baking and hands-on paper-making activities for kids. Special guests and live music create a festive atmosphere. The Mill at Anselma, 1730 Conestoga Rd., Chester Springs. 10 to 4. $5–$10. AnselmaMill.org

JUNE 20

Family Fun Day at DE Museum of Nature & Science. Get outdoors for a fun family day, with community partners hosting a variety of activities in the museum’s backyard. You can interact with live birds from around the world and have your face painted. Event is outside (weather permitting). 4840 Kennett Pk., Wilmington. 10 to 2. $15.50. DelMNS.org

JUNE 21

Father’s Day Express. Take Dad on a 90-minute round-trip train ride from West Chester to Glen Mills and return on his special day. Explore the historic Glen Mills train station as well as the picnic grove along the Chester Creek. West Chester Railroad, 230 E. Market St., West Chester. $25–$30. Dads ride for a special reduced fare, $5. Noon & 2 pm. WCRailroad.com

JUNE 27

Nottingham Country Fair. Loads of fun for the whole family with a pie eating contest, wagon rides, games, pony rides, kids inflatables, food trucks, vendors and more. Nottingham County Park, 150 Park Rd., Nottingham. 3 to 7 pm. Free. ChesCo.org

JULY 4

Annual Good Neighbor Day in Downingtown. Start the day with the Run for Life (5K, 10K & 15K) and 5K Freedom Walk at 8 am. Then enjoy fabulous food, crafts, music, bike decorating, a carnival, boat races and lots of other fun activities, all benefitting area emergency providers. Fireworks at dusk. GoodNeighborDay.com

JULY 4

Garrett Hill–Rosemont 4th of July Parade. Decorate your bikes and floats to ride in this year’s parade. Opening ceremonies begin at 10:45 am at Conestoga & Williams Rd., Bryn Mawr. The parade ends at Clem Macrone Park, where there will be entertainment, refreshments and games. GarrettHillPA.com

JULY 4

4th of July Celebration at Wilson Farm Park. Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic dinner and enjoy great music from Just For Fun DJ Joe Griffith. Fireworks show begins at dusk. Food trucks will be available. 500 Lee Blvd., Wayne. 7 to 9:15 pm. Tredyffrin.org/ Departments/Parks

ART, CRAFTS & ANTQUES

JUNE 7

Clover Market in Kennett Square. Featuring 100 curated vendors with a wide variety of handmade and vintage goods along with food trucks, live music, beer and wine, free kids crafts and many additional shopping and dining options in town. 600 S. Broad St., Kennett Square. 10 to 4. TheCloverMarket.com

BOOKS.............................................................

JUNE 3–23

Reads & Company Book Groups. Big Reads: June 3, “Yesteryear” by Caro Claire Burke. International Voices: June 10, “When We Were Birds” by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo. Then & Now: June 23, “The Adventures of Augie March” by Saul Bellow. Check website for more. 234 Bridge St., Phoenixville. ReadsAndCompany.com

JUNE 3–JULY 1

Wellington Square Bookshop Book Clubs. Classics: June 3, “ The Dog Stars” by Peter Heller; July 1, “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier. NonFiction: June 4, “Chasing My Cure” by David Fajgenbaum. 549 Wellington Sq., Exton. WellingtonSquareBooks.com

JUNE 16–25

Main Point Books. Fiction: June 16, “The Lion Women of Tehran” by Marjan Kamali. Horror: June 18, “The Unworthy” by Agustina Bazterrica. NonFiction: June 25, “London Calling” by Patrick Radden Keefe. 116 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne. MainPointBooks.com

CAR SHOWS

JUNE 6

Ales & Petals—Cars & Motorcycles of England Car Show. Enjoy food, live music, craft beers and tour one of the largest British motoring shows on the East Coast with over 250 classic British cars and motorcycles. Historic Hope Lodge, 553 Bethlehem Pk., Ft. Washington. 10 to 4. $10; 12 and under, free. HistoricHopeLodge.org/Ales-Petals-Car-Show

FESTIVALS & FAIRS

JUNE 6

Delco Pride Parade & Pride on State. The

annual Pride celebration features a colorful procession of participants, community groups, nonprofits and performers showcasing a wide range of identities and sexualities. Parade begins at noon on State Street, festivities throughout town until 9. VisitMediaPA.com

JUNE 12 & 13

Separation Day Celebration In Historic New Castle. Celebrating 250 years of Delaware Independence for a weekend of festivities with live music, food and beverages, children’s rides, parade, and beer garden and an Artisan & Vintage Market. Fri, 6 to 9; Sat, begins at noon with fireworks at 9:30. SeparationDayDE.com

JUNE 13

9th Annual Phoenixville Art Street Festival. Art, music and community combine with

A King Barn is more than a structure. It is a signature piece of architecture shaped by master builders who understand the art of luxury and the value of heritage. From grand equestrian barns with soaring light to impeccably finished indoor arenas, from elegant event barns to custom barn homes designed for modern comfort, every project is created with impeccable detail. King Construction crafts spaces that elevate the everyday and transform the way you live, gather, and experience your land. This is luxury with purpose, built to endure for generations.

70+ artists, live music, interactive entertainment, a community painting and more. After

exploring original art, peruse the shops of downtown Phoenixville and refuel at one of many eateries. 100–200 Bridge St., Phoenixville. 11 to 5. PhoenixvilleArtStreetFestival.com

JUNE

14

Family Pride Day at Delaware Art Museum. A joyful, welcoming celebration of LGBTQ+ families, community and connection. Enjoy a mix of self-guided and structured activities for all ages, including hands-on art-making, story time and play and a variety of local vendors. 2301 Kentmere Pkwy., Wilmington. 10:15 am. $6–$18. DelArt.org

Local Farm Markets

Artisan Exchange, 208 Carter Dr. West Chester. Sat, 10 to 1. ArtisanExchange.net

Berwyn Farmers Market, 511 Old Lancaster Rd. Sun, 9 to noon. BerwynFarmersMarket.com

Bryn Mawr Farmers Market, Lancaster Ave. Bryn Mawr train station lot. Sat, 9 to 1. LMFarmersMarkets.org/BrynMawr

Market at Coverdale Farm Preserve, 543 Way Rd., Greenville, DE. Fri, noon to 6; Sat, 10 to 5; Sun, 11 to 3. DelNature.org

Downingtown Farmers Market, Kerr Park, Log House Field, 28 E. Pennsylvania Ave. Sat, 9 to 1. GrowingRootsPartners.com

Eagleview Farmers Mkt., Eagleview Town Ctr., 570 Wellington Sq., Exton. Thurs, 3 to 6. GrowingRootsPartners.com

Kennett Square Farmers Mkt., 600 S. Broad St. Fri, 3 to 6. KSQFarmersMarket.com

Lancaster County Farmers Mkt., 389 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne. Wed, Fri & Sat, 6 to 4. LancasterCountyFarmersMarket.com

Malvern Farmers Market, Burke Park, 26 S. Warren Ave. Sat, 9 to 1. GrowingRootsPartners.com

Media Farmers Market, Edgemont St. between Front & State Sts. Sun, 10 to 1. MediaFarmersMarket.com

New Roots by Ramsey’s Farm, 4336 S. Creek Rd., Chadds Ford. Daily 9 to 6. NewRootsByRamseys.com

Newtown Square Farmers Mkt., at Garrett Williamson, 395 Bishop Hollow Rd. Every other Fri, start June 12, 4 to 7. On Facebook Oxford Village Market, 193 Limestone Rd. Thurs, 8 to 6; Fri, 8 to 7; Sat, 8 to 5. OxfordFarmMarketPA.com

Phoenixville Farmers Market, 200 Mill St. Sat, 9 to noon. PhoenixvilleFarmersMarket.org

Pottstown Farmers Mkt., 138 E. High St. Every other Sat from May 16, 9 to 1. PottstownFarm.org.

Thornbury Farmers Mkt. & CSA, 1256 Thornbury Rd., West Chester. Thurs–Fri, noon to 6; Sat, 9 to 6; Sun, 11 to 5. ThornburyFarmCSA.com

West Chester Growers Mkt., Chestnut & Church Sts. Sat, 9 to 1. WestChesterGrowersMarket.com

Westtown Amish Ma rket, 1165 Wilmington Pk., West Chester. Thur, 9 to 6; Fri, 9 to 7; Sat, 8 to 4. WestChesterAmishMarket.com Visit the Chester County Farm Guide online, ChesCoPlanning.org/Agriculture/FarmGuide.cfm

JUNE 19–21

Chester County Balloon Festival. Hot air balloons light up the sky at this 18th annual event with music, great food, crafts, kids zone with a petting zoo and pony rides and more. Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds, 1326 Pottstown Pk., Glenmoore. Times and tickets, CCBalloonFest.com

JUNE 20

Chester County PrideFest. Enjoy live music, art displays, entertainment, a variety of vendors, fun games and activities. Benefits LGBTQIA+ programming and support groups, youth outreach and community events. Bridge St., Phoenixville. Noon to 5. LGBTEAChesCo.org

JUNE 27 & 28

Celtic Fling and Highland Games. Enjoy traditional pipe bands and Celtic rock bands. Savor delicious Celtic cuisine, fresh brewed ales, wines, ciders and more. Mount Hope Estate & Winery, 2775 Lebanon Rd., Manheim. Sat–Sun, gates open at 11 am, $17–$38. PARenFaire.com

FOOD & BREWS .........................................

THROUGH NOVEMBER 14

Second Saturdays

Pints on the Preserve. East Branch Brewing Company will be pouring the suds at ChesLen Preserve’s Lenfest Center pavilion. Purchase food truck fare, enjoy hiking and fun for the whole family. 1199 Cannery Rd., Coatesville. 3 to 7 pm. Free. NatLands.org

JUNE 10–AUGUST 26

Wednesdays

Summer Nights at Hagley. Bring the whole family and a picnic for summer fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Or sample local food trucks. Dogfish Head craft beer and Woodside Farm Creamery ice cream are available for purchase. 200 Hagley Creek Rd., Wilmington. 5 to 8 pm. $5. Hagley.org

JUNE 13

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Great Chefs Event. Culinary superstars along with local

stars from the best bars, wineries and craft breweries share their creations at this annual fundraiser at the Navy Yard. Urban Outfitters Headquarters, Bldg. 543, 5000 S. Broad St., Phila. 1 to 4. $250. AlexsLemonade.org

JUNE 14

Kennett Summerfest Wine & Food Festival. Indulge in a fusion of local wines, culinary delights and live music. Ticket options include a VIP experience with curated food stations, exclusive wine pairings, workshops and early festival access. Benefits Kennett Collaborative. 100 block S. Broad St., Kennett Square. 2 to 6 pm. $65–$100; designated driver, $30. KennettSummerfest.com

JUNE 17

Taste of Oxford Food Stroll. Take a walk through downtown Oxford and sample food and drink menu items from local businesses and restaurants. 6:30 to 8 pm. $35. OxfordMainStreet.com

JUNE 18–SEPTEMBER 17

Third Thursdays at Nemours Estate. Head to Nemours Estate to enjoy the gardens while sipping a beer, relaxing to live music and savoring bites from local food trucks or pack your own picnic. 1600 Rockland Rd., Wilmington. 5 to 8. $12. NemoursEstate.org

JUNE 25 & AUGUST 20

Summer Pop-Up Biergartens at Historic Sugartown. BYO chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy live music, drinks from Locust Lane Craft Brewery and great food. Enjoy live music, local craft vendors and explore Sugartown’s historic buildings. 260 Spring Valley Rd., Malvern. 5 to 8 pm. $10–$15. HistoricSugartown.org

America250 Events

Through October 15, Town Tours and Village Walks. The 2026 Town Tours and Village Walks program welcomes you to celebrate with an expanded season. The program, 13 Tours for the 13 Colonies, focuses on places, people, and events in Chester County that molded and defined the complex tapestry of history that shaped our nation. ChesCoPlanning.org/Historic/TownTours

Through December, Trek-A-Thon 250. Walk, stroll, hike or run 250 miles at any of Natural Lands’ properties to commemorate our country’s 250 years. Register: RunSignUp.com/Race/PA/ AnyTrail/NaturalLand250

June 4, Songs and Stories of the American Revolution. Step back into the days of 1776 through period songs, storytelling and a Colonial tavern setting. Phoenixville Public Library, 183 2nd Ave., Phoenixville. 6:30. CCCF250.org

June 7, America250 Family Day at Historic Rock Ford. Events inclue craft activities, living historians and themed activities. 881 Rock Ford Rd., Lancaster. 10 to 4. HistoricRockFord.org/ Special-Events

June 11, Trail Blazer Run Celebrating America 250. Choose from a 5-mile trail run, 5K or a 1.5-mile family fun run through the scenic and historic Paradise Farm Campgrounds, 1300 Valley Creek Rd., Downingtown. 6 to 8 pm. CCCF250.org

June 13, Paoli Massacre: Walking Tour of the Paoli Battlefield. Explore Revolutionary War history on a guided walking tour of the Paoli Battlefield and learn about the events of the Paoli Massacre. Paoli Battlefield Historical Park, Malvern (meet at 146 Channing Ave. parking lot). CCCF250.org

June 18, 25 & 28, Dare to Declare. Public readings of the Declaration exploring the meaning behind “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

June 18, Third Thursday on State Street, Kennett Square, 5 pm. June 25, Avon Grove Library, 117 Rosehill Ave., West Grove, 6:30. June 28, St. David’s Church Fairgrounds, 763 S. Valley Forge Rd., Wayne, 6 pm. CCCF250.org

June 28, Celebration of the Declaration of Independence. A community reading of the Declaration of Independence, featuring voices from across generations. Enjoy family-friendly games, educational children’s activities and a traditional American cookout. St. David’s Church Fairgrounds, 763 S. Valley Forge Rd., Wayne. 6 to 8 pm. CCCF250.org

Regional Meetings

Monthly Zooms provide an open forum for the community to share ideas. Visit CCCF250.org/ Planning for details.

FUNDRAISERS.............................................

See also: Food & Brews and Outdoor Activities.

JUNE 3

Pints with a Purpose & Cornhole for Charity. This lively fundraiser benefits Safe Harbor of Chester County, dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Food and drinks available. Locust Lane Craft Brewery, 50 Three Tun Rd., Ste. #4, Malvern. 5 to 8 pm. $25 to play. SafeHarborOfCC.org

JUNE 18

Surrey Triple E Garden Party—Elegant Equestrian Evening. Enjoy cocktails and a light supper while supporting Surrey’s vital work for older adults in the community. Highlights

include the “Best of the Blooms” competition, an auction and other surprises. Bryn Clovis, 749 Sugartown Rd., Malvern. 5:30 to 8:30. $175. SurreyServices.org

JUNE 20

Lancaster County Benefit Auction. The thrill of the auction block with lively bidding and incredible food, all organized to benefit families facing rare genetic disorders at the Clinic for Special Children. Leola Produce Auction, 135 Brethren Church Rd., Leola. 6:30 am to 4 pm. ClinicAuctions.com/Lancaster

JUNE 20

Habitat For Humanity Hops for Homes Beer Festival. Sample craft brews, cider, spirits and wine and help build affordable homes. Benefits Habitat for Humanity. Chester County Art Association, 100 N. Bradford Ave., West Chester. Noon to 5. $45. HFHCC.org

GARDENS ......................................................

JUNE 6

Phoenixville Garden Tour. This year’s theme is Bird Up!, spotlighting local gardens that support birds through native plants. Visit the native plant sale at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church (121 Church St.). Tour map at Phoenixville Senior Center, 153 Church St., Phoenixville. 10 to 2. $20. PhoenixvilleChamber.org

JUNE 6 & 7

21st Strasburg Secret Gardens Tour. Eight gardens, as well as Strasburg’s Community Garden with its trails and native plants, will be open. Pick up the tour booklet a half-hour before tour hours at The Swan/Joe on the Go Coffee, 2 Miller St., Strasburg. Benefits the Strasburg Heritage Society. Sat, 10 to 4; Sun, noon to 4. $20. Zeffy.com/En-US/Ticketing/ Secret-Gardens-Tour-2

JUNE 13

Garden Day at White Horse Village. The senior living community showcases the talents of resident gardeners. Self-guided tours, complimentary lunch at noon. Rain date, June 20. Reg. required. 535 Gradyville Rd., Newtown Square. 10:30 to 2. WhiteHorseVillage.org

JUNE 20–27

Pennsylvania Garden Party. The Garden

Chester County Library System’s

Summer Reading Program

• Sign up at your local library to track your family’s summer reading progress.

• Read for pleasure and prizes!

• Earn Patch Power 2026 rewards at participating libraries by completing independent activities.

• Attend programs including group games, crafts, music, art projects, science experiments, and more!

Club Federation of Pennsylvania opens gardens that will be in bloom across the state. In our area: June 20, the Garden Clubs of Bala Cynwyd, Villanova and Springfield. June 27, tours of gardens throughout Chester County. Tickets are $25–$30 and include a tour book with map and garden descriptions. To order, visit PAGardenClubs.org.

MUSEUMS .....................................................

THROUGH NOVEMBER

Brandywine Museum of Art. Through June 7, “Abundance/Excess: A Contemporary Eye on Still Life.” Through November, N.C. Wyeth Mural Experience, N.C. Wyeth Studio and Point Lookout Farm. 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford. Wed–Mon, 9:30 to 4:30. $8–$20. Brandywine.org

THROUGH DECEMBER

Delaware Art Museum. Through July 19, “Citizen Artist,” a moment of national reflection with a celebration of artist workers in America. Through Aug. 23, “Living Indigenous,” showcasing the creative contributions of Indigenous artists. Through Dec. 2027, “Jamey Grimes: Aster” installation transforms DelArt’s Fusco Hall with swirling, synthetic forms inspired by nature. 2301 Kentmere Pkwy., Wilmington. Wed–Sun, 10 to 4. $14–$25. DelArt.org

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT THROUGH JUNE 13

National Music Festival. Kent County, MD is transformed into a hub of music, featuring performances to suit virtually every taste. Historic Chestertown, MD. Some concerts are free, others require a ticket. Times and tickets, NationalMusic.us

JUNE 2–30

Concerts on the Square at Eagleview Town Center. Music lovers of all ages are invited to these live performances on Tuesday evenings. June 2, Entrain with special guest Jon Nolan & Good Company; June 9, Johnny Mullenax and Shane Guerette; June 16, Billy Allen & the Pollies and Shelby Means; June 23, Sunny War with special guest Ladybird; June 30, LeCompt with special guest Lia Meneker. Concerts through Aug. 25. 565 Wellington Sq., Exton. 7 to 9. Free. EagleviewTownCenter.com

JUNE 5–JULY 3

Upper Merion Concerts Under the Stars. June 5, Grateful Shred; June 10, Shakey Graves; June 12, Indigo Girls; June 19, Hurray For The Riff Raff; June 25, Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sanchez Trio: June 26, Tortoise; June 27, River Roads Festival: Dar Williams, 10,000 Maniacs, Billy Bragg, Shawn Colvin at Heuser Park;

July 2, Molly Tuttle, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country at Heuser Park; July 3, Dead, White & Blue featuring Splintered Sunlight at Heuser Park. Concerts through Sept. 4. Township Bldg. Park, 175 W. Valley Forge Rd., King of Prussia. 7 pm. Tickets. UMTownship.org

JUNE 6–19

The Keswick Theatre. June 6, That Motown Band; June 7, Let’s Sing Taylor; June 11, Kiefer Sutherland; June 12 & 13, Get The Led Out; June 14, Happy Together Tour 2026; June 18, Dion; June 19, Bowie & Beyond Celebration Show; 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside. Times and tickets, KeswickTheatre.com.

JUNE 6–28

Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts. June 6, Loudon Wainwright III; June 12, Tom Rush accompanied by Brendan Cleary; June 19, Marielle Kraft and Kevin Walkman; June 20, Livingston Taylor; June 28, Mihali. Concerts through Sept. 6. The Gazebo, 9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr. 7 pm. $19. BrynMawrTwilightConcerts.com

JUNE 7

Historic Yellow Springs Jazz at the Springs. Bring lawn chairs and your family to enjoy an afternoon of jazz at this outdoor music festival, held in the field behind the Chester Springs Studio. Food and beverages available for purchase. 1685 Art School Rd., Chester Springs. 3 to 6 pm. Free. YellowSprings.org

JUNE 7–19

The Grand in Wilmington. June 7, Be Like Blippi Tour; June 12, Lucy Darling: You’re Welcome; June 12, Our House: The Music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young at Copeland Hall; June 19, An Evening with Kelli O’Hara. 818 N. Market St., Wilmington. Times and tickets, TheGrandWilmington.org.

JUNE 11–25

Summer in the Park Concerts at Wilson Farm Park. June 11, Tim Williams Band; June 18, Basic Cable; June 25, The Sin Brothers. Concerts through Sept. 3. Wilson Farm Park, 500 Lee Rd., Chesterbrook. 7 pm. Free. Tredyffrin.org/Departments/Parks

JUNE 13

Wayne Music Festival. Featuring 3 stages,

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally heard the news they were free.

For more events in Chester County visit CultureChesCo.org

Coatesville

• June 21 – Coatesville Juneteenth Parade & Celebration. CultureChesCo.org

Kennett Square

• June 19 – Enjoy an evening with the Philadelphia Dance Company, celebrated for its preservation of African-American traditions in dance. Longwood Gardens. 7 pm. VoicesUnderground.com

• June 20 – Juneteenth Jubilee. Enjoy live performances from local artists. 100 State St. 10 to 3. CultureChesCo.org

Phoenixville Celebration

• June 14 – Activities to engage the community and shed light on the importance of African American history with reenactors, music, art, dance, drummers, street theater, magic, soul food and storytelling. 2 to 6 pm. 200 block of Bridge St. CultureChesCo.org

Juneteenth Celebration in West Chester

Chester Co. History Center, 225 N. High St.:

• June 13 – Rustin Day of Film, 6 pm

• June 18 – Across State Lines: Slavery & Freedom on the Delaware-Pennsylvania Border, noon to 1 pm

• June 19 & 20 – The Underground Railroad in West Chester walking tour (visit website for times)

• June 21 – Bayard Rustin’s West Chester: A Walking Tour, noon to 1:30 MyCCHC.org

Oxford

• June 21 – A day of community, culture, and remembrance at Memorial Park, S. Third St., Oxford. VoicesUnderground.com

Delaware

• June 18 – Delaware Art Museum’s Sculpture Garden: 7th Annual Beyond Juneteenth Celebration. 2301 Kentmere Pkwy., Wilmington. 4 to 8. DelArt.org

highlighted by national, local and regional music, as well as over 75 local restaurants and vendors, family-friendly activities, beer gardens and more. N. Wayne Ave., Wayne. 1 to 10 pm. Free. WayneMusicFestival.com

JUNE 14 & 28

Miller Park Summer Concert Series. June 14, The Fabulous Greaseband; June 28, Sam Stinson. Concerts through Aug. 23. Albert C. Miller Memorial Park, 220 Miller Way, Exton. 6 pm. Free. WestWhiteland.org

JUNE 14 & 28

West Goshen Summer Concert Series. June 14, De Tierra Caliente; June 28, Echoes of the British Invasion. Bring dry goods for West Chester Food Cupboard. West Goshen Community Park, N. Five Points and Fern Hill Rds., West

Chester. Concerts through Aug. 9. 6:30. Free. WestGoshen.org

JUNE 17–AUGUST 16

Delaware County Summer Festival. This popular Delco tradition offers everything from Classical to Cajun, Motown to Broadway, Doo Wop to Rock & Pop. Visit website for concerts. Rose Tree Park, Rt. 252 & Providence Rd., Upper Providence. Free. Schedule at DelcoPA. gov/Parks/Summer-Festival

JUNE 18

Concerts in the Courtyard. The Deb Callahan Band performs at Brandywine Museum of Art, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford. 7 pm. $25–$35. Brandywine.org

JUNE 26

Friday Night Lights. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and settle in for a comfortable evening with craft beer from East Branch Brewing and Animated Brewing, local cider and wine

from Dressler Estate, plus food truck offerings. Benefits Natural Lands. ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Rd., Coatesville. 7 to 10 pm. $37–$63. NatLands.org

JUNE 26

Twilight Music Series in Media. Bring a picnic dinner and relax on the lawn as Kid Davis and the Bullets play rockabilly. Concerts through Oct. 17. Community Center, Monroe St. between 3rd and 4th Sts., Media. 6 to 8 pm. MediaArtsCouncil.org

JUNE 26 & 27

The Colonial Theatre. June 26, Magical Mystery Doors Presents: Beatles/Zeppelin/ Doors; June 27, The Church: The Singles 1980–2025. 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville. Times and tickets, TheColonialTheatre.com.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

JUNE 2

Community Volunteers in Medicine 24th Annual Golf Classic. Join CVIM for a day of golf along with breakfast, lunch, dinner, open bar, auction and giveaways. Supports the region’s largest free healthcare center for families without health insurance. Applebrook Golf Club, 100 Line Rd., Malvern. CVIM.org

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JUNE 6

IHM Nun Run. Enjoy this festive fundraising 5K Run/3K Walk for Camilla Hall, the convent home and healthcare center for the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 100 Maxis Dr., Malvern. 8:30 am. $35. Register at IHMNunRun.org

JUNE 12

Media 5-Mile Race. Benefits community outreach with proceeds to area nonprofits. Kids’ Free Fun Runs at 6 pm, Barrall Park and Field, State & Edgemont Sts. Main race at 7 pm, State St. and Veterans Square. Street Party after race on Veterans Square. $55. Media5MileRace.com

JUNE 13–19

Schuylkill River Sojourn. The annual 112mi. guided canoe/kayak trip begins in Schuylkill Haven and ends at Philadelphia’s Boathouse Row. Participants paddle 14–18 miles per day.

Register for one day or more or the entire week. Meals, camping arrangements and shuttle service included. $75–$775. SchuylkillRiver.org/ Sojourn

JUNE 14

24th Annual French Creek Iron Tour— Cycling for Open Space. Rides for all levels—from beginners to accomplished cyclists— with courses from 11 to 100 miles. Benefits French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust. Kimberton Fairgrounds, 762 Pike Springs Rd., Phoenixville. Reg., 7 am. $65. IronTour.org

JUNE 26–28

Annual Pottstown Rumble. Premier grass doubles volleyball tournament, attracting nationally ranked pros, amateurs and even kids. For spectators, there’s a great selection of food, a beer tent and vendors. Main field at Memorial Park, 75 W. King St., Pottstown. $10; children under 12 free. PottstownRumble.com

THEATER ......................................................

MAY 29 & 30

The Savoy Company Presents “The Gondoliers.” Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic set in Venice and the fictional kingdom of Barataria. Longwood’s Open Air Theatre, 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square. 7:30 pm. $35–$45, includes all-day gardens admission. LongwoodGardens.org

THROUGH JUNE 14

“The Calamari Sisters’ Sausagefest” at Delaware Theatre Company. Celebrate the memories of summer with these sassy broads from Brooklyn. 200 Water St., Wilmington. Times and tickets, DelawareTheatre.org.

THROUGH JUNE 14

“Pippin” at SALT Performing Arts. This coming-of-age story follows a young prince in search of purpose, passion and meaning. Bring food donations for the Chester County Food Bank. 1645 Art School Rd., Chester Springs. Times and tickets, SALTPA.com

JUNE 5–7

“The Music Man” at The Playhouse. Meredith Willson’s Tony Award-winning musi-

cal comedy about trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian. 1007 N. Market St., Wilmington. Times and tickets, TheGrandWilmington.org

JUNE 5–21

“Two Outta Three” at People’s Light. A laugh-out-loud look at how a trio becomes a duo again and how to move on when our kids move out. 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern. Times and tickets, PeoplesLight.org

TOWNS, TALKS & TOURS......................

THROUGH JUNE 3

Wednesday and Saturday

Revolutionary West Chester Walking Tour. Explore life in Chester County on the edge of battle, in an age of revolution and the lives of heroes and everyday people as they negotiated the treacherous path to independence. $16. Times and tickets, MyCCHC.org

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30

Wednesdays

Dining Under the Stars in Media. Discover the unique mix of local shops and restaurants that make “Everybody’s Hometown” special. Restaurants set up tables on State Street, which is closed

from Jackson to Orange, for this summer-long outdoor dining event, now in it’s 19th season. 5:30 to 10:30 pm. VisitMediaPA.com

THROUGH OCTOBER 4

Phoenixville Inside Out. Dine outside or enjoy a drink with friends, explore the boutiques and retail stores or take in a show. Road closed on 100 and 200 blocks of Bridge St. from 4 pm Fri through 7 am Mon. Fri, 4 to 10; Sat–Sun, 7 am to 10 pm. PhoenixvilleFirst.org

THROUGH OCTOBER 15

Third Thursdays on State Street in Kennett Square. Enjoy outdoor dining, extended shopping hours, live music, children’s activities, pop-up vendors and more. State Street is closed from Broad to Center Sts. from 5 to 10 pm every third Thursday. KennettCollaborative.org

JUNE 6

Beekeeping: Historical Origins and Present Day Buzzing. Learn about beekeeping’s historic origins, how beekeeping works today and how bees make honey. Historic Waynesborough, 2049 Waynesborough Rd., Paoli. 2 pm. $15. PhilaLandmarks.org

JUNE 27

Paoli Battlefield Paranormal Tour. Interstate Paranormal Research leads you on a paranormal investigation of the battlefield. Discover “hot spots” of activity located along the trail and in other areas around the battlefield of the 9th deadliest battle of the Revolutionary War. Monument & Wayne Aves., Malvern. 7 to 11 pm. $45. Register on PBPFInc.org. ©

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For more events visit: CountyLinesMagazine.com

Clothier of Wynnewood

AN EXQUISITE VENUE FOR ANY OCCASION

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PHOTO: PAT FUREY

Heather Reiffer BRANDYWINE

AWagons Ho!

REMEMBERING THE BICENTENNIAL WAGON TRAIN

S PHILADELPHIA MARKS

America’s 250th anniversary with sporting events, community festivals, fireworks and parades, this celebration reawakened memories of our last major national milestone — the Bicentennial. Then, as now, Americans found ways to come together to remember the best things about our communities and our nation’s founding.

PLANS FOR THE WAGON TRAINS

During the Bicentennial festivities in 1976, few things captured our nation’s imagination more than the Bicentennial Wagon Train. With 3,000 people driving 200 horse-drawn covered wagons for a year’s journey across the nation, the wagon train planned to converge at Valley Forge. Months of dust, heat, campfires, thunder-

storms and laughter culminated in a celebration that announced the creation of Valley Forge National Historical Park.

The Pennsylvania Bicentennial Commission envisioned America’s 200th as an opportunity to showcase the Commonwealth’s key role in the nation’s founding and expansion westward. Pennsylvania created the “Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania,” billed as a “replay of history — in reverse.” Costing more than $3.5 million, the project counted 50 states participating — all supplied with an official wagon and two teams of horses, a station wagon, house trailer and period-correct clothing.

Huntingburg Wagon Works of Jonesboro, Arkansas crafted a total of over 50 Conestoga wagons, Prairie Schooners and chuck wagons using authentic plans and building methods. Modern improvements included fitted hard rubber tires and steel

axles to handle paved roads, as well as water-repellent and fireproof canvas covers. State delegations from the original 13 colonies drove Conestoga wagons and the rest, Prairie Schooners.

THE WAGON TRAINS

The pilgrimage kicked off from Blaine, Washington in June 1975. Nicole Keegan, an East Vincent Township resident, was there, along with her father, George Keegan, who managed the Northwest Wagon Train. His job was to venture ahead to scout out roads, coordinate with city officials and arrange encampment sites.

“I was 6 years old. It was such an incredible experience for a kid,” Keegan remembered. “The adventure of it all — being a cowgirl! I grew up in Philadelphia, so being able to ride on a horse, to see the cowboys and all the characters — people hanging out, gathering

around campfires, making breakfast together — it was so authentic. The people were the real salt of the earth. There were horse races at night, and I remember running through the wagons at camp. I looked up to these people — the cowboys were so impressive!”

The Northwest Wagon Train overwintered in Wyoming and South Dakota, resuming its journey in April. Moving at a rate of 20 miles per day, the Southwest and the Southern Wagon Trains embarked in January 1976, followed by the Great Lakes and Thirteen States Wagon Trains in April. Official state wagons were joined by independent wagons driven by families and groups of friends.

Morgen Stauber Bernard of Texas journeyed with her parents from Oklahoma. She fondly remembered learning about the Amish when reaching Pennsylvania. “They were just as interested in us. They would drive their horse and buggies past us plodding along at 4 miles per hour, laughing and waving at how slow we were. But they were also delighted to see us ‘like’ them in horse and wagon. Sometimes they invited us to a home for a meal. That’s where I learned about the treat of homemade root beer!”

ARRIVAL AT VALLEY FORGE

Ultimately, the six wagon trains carrying their hot, dusty and roadweary travelers converged outside Valley Forge on July 3, 1976. Residents lined the streets of Pottstown, Downingtown, Exton, Rose Tree, Lansdale, Phoenixville, Conshohocken and other towns to watch.

Valley Forge Park Alliance Board Chair Scott Sibley, a high school senior that summer, attended the parade through Conshohocken. He and his friends wore commemorative T-shirts purchased from Flacco’s Shoes that read “Conshohocken — the Gateway to Valley Forge.”

Eastward Ho!

Each Wagon Train route had its own traveling show. Written and produced by Penn State University faculty, “Eastward Ho” brought music, costumes and a little old-fashioned showmanship to the camps each night on the way to Valley Forge. Performers in prairie skirts, vests, jeans and cowboy boots sang songs like “Jubilee Joe” and “We Haven’t Discovered America Yet.”

Earl Reinhalter, who performed on both the Louisiana and Great Lakes routes, remembered that southern audiences were chatty, while northern groups sat and listened more quietly. He also remembered the food: plenty of chicken gumbo in Louisiana and brats in Minnesota.

Earl Reinhalter, left, performing in the Wagon Train Show PHOTO

1. Bicentennial Wagon Train traveling through Phoenixville

2. Wagoneer in Phoenixville

The 200 covered wagons entered Valley Forge Park and paraded past the impressive viewing stand as people crowded the fields around them. Afterwards, the delegations unhitched the official state wagons and displayed them near the National Memorial Arch. They remained there until the fall of 1976.

BIRTH OF A HISTORIC PARK

Crowds gathered once again on the morning of July 4th to watch as three Marine helicopters descended, one carrying President Gerald R. Ford. The wagons formed a backdrop as President Ford and Pennsylvania Governor Milton J. Shapp celebrated Pennsylvania’s gift of Valley Forge State Park to the people of the United States in honor of America’s Bicentennial. Valley Forge National Historical Park became the 283rd unit of the National Park System.

This year, as Valley Forge National Historical Park turns 50, wagon train members look back fondly on those long days full of camaraderie on the trail. They created something special for America in 1976 — memories for children who watched them pass and a sense of shared celebration that made the Bicentennial feel close to home.

For information about Valley Forge National Historical Park 50th Anniversary Commemorations, go to NPS.gov/VAFO ©

Heather Reiffer is part of the Chester County Community Foundation’s America 250 initiative and a nonprofit consultant. She wrote this article to raise awareness of Chester County’s role in our nation’s fight for freedom and build engagement for 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Special thanks to Morgen Stauber Bernard, Josh Gould, Peggy Hartzell, Nicole Keegan, Earl Reinhalter and Scott Sibley for sharing their experiences and photographs and to Rose Fennell, Superintendent, Valley Forge National Historical Park, for her support. To learn more, America250ChesCo.org and CCCF250.org

3. President Ford greets crowd from Michigan Wagon

PHOTO CREDIT: GERALD R. FORD PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY

4. Bicentennial Wagon Train flyer

5. Bicentennial Wagon Train viewing stand at Valley Forge National Historical Park

Celebrate Our Nation in Books

THERE’S MORE TO OUR STORY THAN YOU MIGHT THINK

Shelley

Laurence, Main Point Books

THIS YEAR, OUR NATION celebrates 250 years of independence. 250 years! That’s quite a milestone, one even the Founding Fathers may not have expected.

The seeds of our nation were planted in 1607, when the first permanent English colony was established in Jamestown, Virginia. By the 1760s, that number of settlements grew to 13. Settlers were, to put it mildly, unhappy living under British rule and tensions grew, leading to the Revolutionary War. And well, you think you know the rest.

We all learned the basics from dry history books, but there are hundreds of interesting stories you don’t know, and you’d enjoy if you knew where to look. That’s where I come in.

SOME HISTORY

Let’s start at the beginning. “The American Revolution” by Geoffrey C. Ward and

Ken Burns examines our beginnings from all sides — not only through the eyes of our founders, but also those of ordinary soldiers and underrepresented people like women, African Americans, Native Americans and American loyalists. This book asks who, exactly, was entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? It’s eye-opening, to say the least, since we’re still asking the same questions today.

Some of those questions are tackled by Joseph J. Ellis, in an astounding look at how the founders handled the issue of slavery as they drafted the documents that would guide the new nation. In “The Great Contradiction: The Tragic Side of the American Founding,” Ellis details what some call America’s two original founding sins: the failure to end slavery and the failure to deal honestly with the Native Americans. In its starred review, Booklist called this “[an] insightful, noteworthy and fresh history of the nation’s founding.”

HISTORICAL FICTION

OK. Maybe nonfiction isn’t your jam. There’s plenty to learn about our nation by reading historical fiction. Let’s jump ahead to the early 1800s for “The House Is on Fire” by Rachel Beanland.

This gripping tale reconstructs a deadly theater fire in Richmond, Virginia that shocked a nation and tore apart a community in a single night. Beanland reconstructs the fire, all the while discussing issues that may have led to it — slavery, abuse, the treatment of women and child labor. NPR called it “a stark reminder of how privilege, sexism and racism have been in this country’s DNA since its inception, and that makes it necessary reading.”

Let’s move now to the late 1800s, and meet Captain Jefferson Kidd, a 72-year-old war veteran who makes his living traveling from place to place with a stack of newspapers, sharing the events of the day. In “News of the World” by Paulette Jiles,

Kidd is on the road with a 10-year-old white girl, kidnapped by Native Americans when she was just 6. Johanna was recently ransomed, and Kidd is returning her to relatives in Texas. This short western will pull on your heartstrings big time! The Wall Street Journal said, “What stands out amid the gun smoke and the period detail is the moving friendship between a girl with no place to fit in and an old man who has outlived his usefulness. Add them to the list of the Wild West’s great odd couples.” This is an oldie, but goodie. I don’t know a single person who didn’t like it.

Another gripping post-Civil War tale is “Lincoln in the Bardo” by George Saunders. It’s a ghost story about grief and a moving father-and-son saga about our nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. The novel has a present-day urgency, featuring a nation at war with itself and a group of ghosts, divided in death as in life, refusing to move on.

FOR THE KIDS

Let’s not forget the kids! “Chains” by Laurie Halse Anderson opens at the start of the Revolutionary War and finds 13-yearold Isabel waging her own fight for freedom. Isabel and her sister Ruth are enslaved and promised freedom when their owner

died. Instead, they become the property of a couple in New York who care nothing about the American Revolution and even less about Isabel and Ruth.

Younger readers will enjoy “America as It Happened: A Moment-ByMoment Journey Through Time, from Prehistory to the Present Day” from the What on Earth! team and the Washington Post. It’s written in the style of a newspaper and brings history to life, from articles reporting events as they happen to obituaries of famous people, recipes, inventions and more. Reading this book is like living through the events that shaped our nation, including the American Revolution, the Civil War, the Civil Rights movement and the September 11th attacks. It’s perfect for kids grades 5 through 9.

As always, this is just a sampling of what you’ll find at your local independent bookstore. Visit yours, and learn more about the people and places that built America. ©

Shelley Laurence is a bookseller at Main Point Books, an independent bookstore with a handpicked selection for every member of the family. Check out their events, book groups and children’s activities at MainPointBooks.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Order online for delivery or pickup. 484-580-6978; 116 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne.

A Living Legacy: 50 Years of Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens

THE STORY OF THE GARDENS

Stephanie Kuniholm, Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens

IT WAS 50 YEARS AGO THAT A quiet woodland in Devon began its transformation into one of the region’s most beloved gardens. What started as a bequest from a man inspired by his late wife’s love for nature has flourished into a thriving botanical treasure. Since the beginning, everything at Jenkins Arboretum has been rooted in a mission to celebrate the wonder of plants and place as a destination for education, conservation and community connection. These principles have shaped every path, program and planting over the last five decades.

THE PROPERTY

The 20 acres on which the gardens were first planned were the property of H. Lawrence and Elisabeth Phillippe Jenkins. The Jenkinses were neither wealthy nor famous, yet they lived comfortably and enjoyed the beautiful natural setting of their home.

When Elisabeth died in 1963, Lawrence preserved their 20-acre property in her memory. Through his will, he established that the property would be developed into

a “public park, arboretum and wildlife sanctuary for the use of the public.”

Moved by Lawrence’s gesture, neighbor Louisa P. Browning deeded her adjacent 26 acres of woodland to Jenkins in 1971, more than doubling the size of the garden.

The Browning property included an R. Brognard Okie-designed house along with an open meadow, woodland and a tennis court that later became a native plant nursery for the gardens.

THE PLAN

Once the property had been set aside, a plan was needed to add plantings, visitor amenities and infrastructure to care for the gardens. Landscape architect George Erwin Patton was hired to develop a master plan to transform the site into a public garden. His plan included analysis of the soil, locations for a network of paths, and descriptions of plantings, along with the occasional line of poetry or reflection on the human-nature connection.

It’s astonishing to page through Patton’s plan and see how closely his vision has been

realized in the gardens’ visitors’ experience today. Patton took a simple mandate from Jenkins’s will and expanded it to visualize the living landscape growing decades later.

In his plan, Patton mused about creating “the kind of place where people can walk among the trees, see the birds, observe nature’s many faces and moods and seasons; where people can find peace and quiet, refreshment and relief from urban stress.”

Although written more than 50 years ago, this perfectly describes Jenkins today.

THE STEWARDS

Throughout the 1970s, trails were created, a pond installed, a small visitor’s center constructed, and rhododendrons and azaleas planted. In 1974, Leonard H. Sweetman was hired as the first director, although it wasn’t until May 22, 1976, that Mr. Jenkins’s vision was finally realized when his property was officially opened to the public. After 12 years of service, Leonard passed the reins to his son, Harold E. Sweetman, Ph.D., who became Jenkins’s director in 1986.

Over the next several decades, major changes involved constructing a greenhouse and LEED-certified John J. Willaman Education Center, establishing the Hamilton Horticulture Apprenticeship, expanding the botanical collections, and adding full-time horticulture staff, seasonal interns and weekly volunteers.

Many might remember Jenkins Arboretum best during this time for its whimsical, nature-based sculpture exhibitions. The “Monarch Gathering” in 2001 featured larger-than-life monarch butterflies clustered on trees and fences throughout the garden, followed by an exhibition of giant watering cans in 2006. Five years later, Jenkins hosted “Wind Through the Trees,” a kinetic and auditory sculpture exhibition in the gardens.

After more than 30 years of leadership, Harold Sweetman retired in 2019, and Jenkins welcomed Tom Smarr as its third director. With a bold strategic plan, reimagined master plan, refreshed visual identity and expanded staff, Jenkins continues to advance its mission, rooted in education, conservation and community connection.

THE PRESENT

Today, a deep sense of connection continues to thrive as a place where visitors of all backgrounds and generations come to learn, reflect and celebrate. And while the Jenkins community has grown to the point of welcoming more than 90,000 visitors each year, so too has its role expanded as a trusted resource, a gathering place and a steward of habitat in a changing world.

Remarkably, Jenkins has always offered free admission and is entirely supported through donations from the community. While the Jenkins and Browning families were generous in their original gifts of land, the wider community has been responsible for funding the gardens over the past 50 years. With support from members, Jenkins has been able to welcome all to come freely through the garden gates — to experience the restoration and joy that comes from time spent in a beautiful place.

As Jenkins celebrates its 50th anniversary, its roots remain grounded in the values that have sustained it from the beginning — care for the land, connection with community, and a commitment to curiosity and wonder. For five decades, the generosity of friends and neighbors has allowed Jenkins to flourish as a free and welcoming public garden.

Looking ahead, Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens is excited to continue growing alongside that community, inviting renewed support, shared purpose and collective care to sustain and shape the next 50 years. ©

Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens is a 48-acre public garden showcasing native flora of the eastern United States and a world-class collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. The gardens are open every day of the year and are always free of an admission fee. Plan your visit by visiting JenkinsArboretum.org.

1. Plant sale at the John J. Willaman Education Center & Garden Shop

2. Giant watering cans on display at Jenkins in 2006

3. The “Monarch Gathering” at Jenkins in 2001

37 THINGS YOU’LL LOVE, TOO

LOCATED JUST UNDER 30 miles west of Philadelphia and home to just over 24,000 people, the Borough of West Chester is the county seat of Chester County. It’s also the county’s de facto restaurant capital, bubble tea capital and, with six options in a roughly 1-mile radius, its fried chicken capital, too.

The town is home to West Chester University, the fourth-largest university in the Philadelphia region. Major employers include Chester County Hospital, the West Chester Area School District and everyone’s favorite shopping network, QVC (we’re rooting for its survival). There are 12 parks, two museums and even a walking tour or three.

From the restaurants to the retail to the events and the amazing people, West Chester undoubtedly has plenty going for it. Here are some of my picks for reasons to love it.

Score a last-minute dinner from an award-winning chef. West Chester is home to Andiario, led by James Beard-nominated chef Anthony Andiario, and named an essential Philadelphia restaurant by the Philadelphia Inquirer, two years running — no easy feat for a spot a good 45 minutes outside the city.

Andiario is best known for its rustic handmade pasta dishes and hard-to-score reservations. While the latter are getting a little easier, just set a reminder for the 20th of the month, when a new month’s worth of reservations open up. Or score a reservation by following the restaurant on Instagram, where they post cancellations and last-minute openings. Really, what better surprise is there than enjoying a multi-course meal prepared by a nationally acclaimed chef on a night you’d planned to be cooking?

Didn’t win in reservation game? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other worthy options. Pop into Turks Head Wines for one of their award-winning choices. (The winery, which sources fruit from California, had a standout showing at the 2026 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, earning multiple Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for multiple vintages.) Then head over to the The Original Spence Cafe, The Mediterranean Restaurant or one of West Chester’s several other BYOBs for a handcrafted meal you won’t quickly forget.

Stroll down the middle of Gay Street. For 319 days a year, Gay Street is one of West Chester’s busiest streets. It’s often choked with cars, Ubers and delivery vans, but for 23 weekends, which started on May 1 and extends through

PHOTO CREDIT: TOLBERT PHOTOGRAPHY

Cara Corridoni

September, the street closes to traffic and the restaurant tables and umbrellas come out for the Open-Air Market. The street closure, which began as a Covid invention designed to protect the Borough’s vibrant restaurant scene, has continued to residents’ and visitors’ delight.

On weekend evenings, stroll undisturbed as the sound of live music drifts by or dine surrounded by the night air as kids entertain themselves with sidewalk chalk or games of tag. Later, dance in the streets, if the beat moves you. New activities have been added over the years. Some weekends you’ll find skateboarders doing tricks, drummers in a circle, or mini-golf or yoga set up in the street. A major project is now underway installing bollards to improve the overall safety and infrastructure of the street closure.

Tour the vibrant mural art scene. Over the past decade, West Chester has worked to extend its outdoor arts scene, and it’s worked. The Borough is now home to more than a half dozen paintings that range in size up to an entire building wall. Charming brick sidewalks, expertly preserved historic buildings and tree-lined sidewalks provide the perfect backdrop for exploring works of public art from modern to classical. The “Votes for Women” mural on East Market

Street is a bold celebration befitting the 19th Amendment. The glittery gem of a mural on the east wall of the Care Center Foundation on South Matlack Street is by renowned muralist Paul Santoleri. Can you find it? The West Chester Art Loop map will help get you started. And be on the lookout for the planned America250 mural by Al Moretti coming to the side wall at 240 East Gay Street.

End the art tour with a selfie at the Horace Pippin bench. Located in Everhart Park and painted a bright cherry red, the bench stands as a reminder of the famous self-trained West Chester painter known for his landscapes and portraits tackling difficult subjects such as war, slavery and racial segregation.

Throw frisbees with the next generation. While much has changed in the world of higher education since the turn of the 21st century, some things have not. On any warm day during the academic year, you’ll find dozens of students tossing frisbees, kicking a hacky sack or just lounging in West Chester University’s Quad, the open grassy space tucked just behind Main Hall on High Street.

While on campus, see if you can catch a performance at the Wells

Andario

Turks Head Wines

Open-Air Market

The Mediterranean Restaurant

School of Music. Each year, this nationally accredited music school hosts more than 200 concerts with performances by the school’s talented faculty, students and surprise guests. In March, the university hosted its annual Jazz Festival. Now in its 30th year, the four-day event combines Grammy-winning performances with local favorites. Most of the concerts are free.

After your campus experience, you’ll want to get caffeinated, so head to Twin Valley Coffee on North Church Street for one of their popular cold brew coffees. Add a bit of sweet cream and savor your college memories.

Eat ice cream like an Italian. Many American towns can claim an ice cream shop they’d recommend to visitors who comes to town, but how many can claim not one but two gelato shops worthy of the streets of Rome? West Chester’s love of this Italian treat, known for its lower fat content and dense texture, began in 2004 when West Chester couple Glenn and Kristin D’Ascenzo began selling their smallbatch, Old World gelato to residents of the Borough from a storefront on East Gay Street. In 2019, Travel + Leisure magazine selected D’Ascenzo’s Gelato one of the best gelato shops in Pennsylvania.

PHOTO CREDIT: TIMLYN VAUGHAN

Horace Pippin, “The Park Bench (Man on a Bench),” 1946

West Chester University Quad

Gemelli Café gelato

D’Ascenzo’s Gelato

“Votes for Women” mural

But why settle for one award-winning gelato shop when you can have two? In 2014, Ferrara, Italy native Vincenzo Tettamanti opened Gemelli Café on East Market Street. He, too, relies on farm-fresh ingredients and from-scratch cooking methods — and he’s caught the attention of critics well outside the region. Gemelli was named “best gelato in North America” by the James Beard Foundation during their Gelato World Tour. So, really, which is better? The only way to know for sure is to try them both.

Catch the view from the Más rooftop. When the temperatures start to warm and the nights get longer, it’s time to hit the Más Mexicali Cantina rooftop for a pitcher of margaritas and a bird’s-eye view of the Borough with a side of sunset. As you sip and relax, take a minute to locate some of West Chester’s famed architectural landmarks.

To your west, you’ll find the Historic Courthouse. Designed by American architect Thomas U. Walter, it’s distinguished by its six Corinthian columns and its size. The courthouse is the largest of the surviving West Chester buildings designed by Walter, who’s also known as an architect of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Just across Market Street is the Farmers and Mechanics Building. West Chester’s first skyscraper is striking with its handcut marble and Beaux Arts design. Move in the other direction along High Street and see if you can spot the swooping edges of the Hotel Warner. This Art Deco building was constructed in the 1930s and for years housed the Warner movie theater. In 1970, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Have more time? There’s also the historic West Chester Railroad, the Chester County Visitor’s Center, the Mather Planetarium on the WCU campus, Chester County History Center’s True Crime on Trial interactive event and the Turks Head Music Festival on June 7.

Oh, and breakfast in the Roots Cafe courtyard, an espresso martini from Pietro’s Prime, tiny treats from Rose’s Little

Donuts, pretzels at Bierhaul Townhouse, music at Marshall Square Park, West Chester’s four record stores, five vintage shops, and did I mention the newly arrived Biscuit Lady?

Really, what’s not to love? I mean — besides the parking? And even that’s got a new solution on the way. ©

PHOTO CREDIT:

TIMLYN VAUGHAN

PHOTO CREDIT:

Farmers and Mechanics building, left, and Historic Courthouse, center

West Cheste Railroad

Hotel Warner, right

Más Mexicali Cantina rooftop

Chester County History Center ONGOING

CCHC features permanent exhibits telling the story of the county’s roots, early beginnings, evolution and more. 225 N. High St. Wed–Sat, $5–$10. MyCCHC.org

Open-Air Market in West Chester

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 27

Gay Street is closed to vehicles Friday morning through Monday morning. Restaurants and shops line the street for strolling, eating, exploring. DowntownWestChester.com

West Chester TAPS

MAY 27–AUGUST 26, Wednesdays

Unwind with friends every Wednesday, 4 to 7 pm. Participating locations offer select $5 beers, $6 wines and $7 cocktails plus half-price appetizers. DowntownWestChester.com

1st Friday Summer Concert Series

JUNE 5–SEPTEMBER 4

Come out to enjoy bands performing at locations across in the borough from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Chester County Historic Courthouse, 21 W. Market St., and Jack Loew Plaza, 44 W. Gay St. DowntownWestChester.com

Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center

JUNE 6–INTO SEPTEMBER

June 6, The Rebel Queens: A Tribute to Joan Jett & Pat Benatar; June 11, The Breakers: A Tribute

to Tom Petty; June 12, Nefesh Mountain; June 26, Forever Donna Tribute to Donna Summer. 226 N. High St. More shows, tickets and times, UptownWestChester.org

Turk’s Head Music Festival

JUNE 7

Seven bands, 50+ crafters and booths, food vendors, rides and games and more in Everhart Park, 100 S. Brandywine St. Noon to 7 pm. Free. TurksHeadFestival.com

Mini Golf on Gay St.

JUNE 20

18 holes of mini golf between Matlack and Darlington Sts. on Gay St. during the Open-Air Market. Noon to 4. Age 12 and under, $5; 13 and above, $8. West-Chester.com

Summer Solstice Music Festival

JUNE 13

A family-friendly music festival supporting live local music and celebrating the start of summer. Benefits and held at Brandywine Red Clay Alliance, 1760 Unionville Wawaset Rd. 2 to 10 pm. $25–$75. WayKool.com

Movies in the Park

JUNE 12, JULY 10, AUGUST 21

Pack a picnic, blanket, chairs and the family, and enjoy a movie, TBD. Food trucks on site. June 12, Horace Pippin Park, 520 W. Market St. July 10, Barclay Park, 535 N. Church St. Aug. 21, Hoopes Park, 700 Hoopes Park Ln. Starts at dusk. West-Chester.com

Music at Marshall Square Park

JUNE 19, JULY 10, 31, AUGUST 21

Picnic concerts with food trucks opening at 5 pm. Music at 6:30. Check website for weather updates and bands. 200 E. Marshall St. Free. MarshallSquarePark.org

World Music Day

JUNE 21

Showcasing local musical talent. Stroll through town and listen to musicians perform on street corners, sidewalks, plazas and more. 1 to 7 pm. Free. DowntownWestChester.com

Concerts in the Park

JUNE 18, AUGUST 21

Bring a chair or blanket and kick back to enjoy live music. Food trucks on site. Bands TBD. June 18, John O. Green Park, S. Matlack & E. Miner Sts. Aug. 21, Everhart Park, 100 S. Brandywine St. 6:30 pm. West-Chester.com

Pop-Up Biergarten Series at Uptown

JUNE 26, JULY 24, AUG. 21, SEPT. 26, OCT. 17

Open-air celebration of community, live music and fun. Perfect for all ages and free to attend. Enjoy lawn games and kick back to the sound of live music before heading inside for a night of unforgettable entertainment. 226 N. High St. UptownWestChester.org ©

RESTAURANT GUIDE

1. Roots Cafe

The Social

West Chester Seafood Kitchen

Jolene’s

Mayday Coffee Shop

The Original Spence Café 7. DP Dough

8. The Tomato Shack 9. Buddy’s Burgers, Breasts/Fries

The Biscuit Lady

Kooma Japanese Restaurant 12. Turks Head Wines 13. La Tartine

Dim Sum Taste

Saloon 151

dolce Zola 17. Fire–Nashville Hot Chicken

Taco Mar

Bar Avalon

Bierhaul Townhouse 21. Opa Taverna 22. Teca 23. Side Bar & Restaurant

Lorenzo & Sons Pizza 25. Mino Sushi & Ramen

26. Jaco Juice & Taco Bar 27. Kildare’s Irish Pub

Sedona Taphouse

LaScala’s Fire

Greystone Oyster Bar

Slow Hand

New Haven Style Pizza 33. Penn’s Table

Andiario 35. Ryan’s Pub & Restaurant

Jitters West Chester

The Mediterranean

38. Stove & Tap

39. Good Bad & Ugly

40. Wrong Crowd Brewing

41. Artillery Brewing

42. Nudy’s Café

43. La Baguette Magique

44. Carlino’s Specialty Foods

45. Pietro’s Prime

46. Bier & Loathing

47. Love Again Local

48. Mercato Ristorante & Bar

49. Tsunami Sushi/Asian Cuisine

50. Market Street Grill

51. 9 Prime

52. Playa Bowls

53. West Chester Chicken

54. Mimi’s Tea Cottage

55. Barnaby’s

56. Santino’s Tap & Table

57. Shawarma Kebab

58. Saucey’s Pizza

59. Limoncello Ristorante

60. Más Mexicali Cantina

61. Bonchon Chicken

62. Rai Rai Ramen

63. Crisp Chick’n

64. Poké Bros.

65. Pizza West Chester

66. Station 142

67. Manjé Caribbean Cuisine

68. America’s Pie

69. Arianna’s Cafe & Catering

70. La Rancherita Mexican Taqueria

71. Momo Sushi Cafe

72. Cousin’s Burger

73. Amore Pizza & Restaurant

74. Nanu’s Hot Chicken

Dazzling Diamonds,

Wedding at Longwood Gardens

Shining Rolls-Royces, ChampagneFeasts…

ULTIMATE WEDDINGS

Emily Hart

IT WAS A PERFECT MATCH AND PERFECT CEREMONY — THE BRIDE in a luxurious gown with train and veil, gracing the historic St. Thomas of Villanova Church’s aisle. Organ music filled the space. Vows were exchanged. The dream wedding in Brandywine Valley refinement was the prelude to a reception at the Waynesborough County Club, where the newlyweds stepped out of a white RollsRoyce into a stunning celebration of their marriage.

Every sumptuous detail told the story of the couple’s history. A one-of-a-kind blue and white toile pattern created by Emily Kathryn honored places special to the couple and their family: Avalon, where Mackenzie and Michael had summered, and Philadelphia, where they’d lived. The toile’s full pattern appeared on the expansive dance floor, the lining of their invitation envelopes and with their monogram on the circular white bar’s wainscoting. Elements of the pattern — a boat at Avalon and “Rocky” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art — were printed on pillows for a plush seating area at the reception, menus and bar signage, and cocktail napkins.

Monogrammed swizzle sticks adorned drinks. Blue and white hydrangeas from florist Fresh Designs edged the spectacular dance floor between the couple’s first twirl and the band’s live music.

“Everything was intentional and coordinated. The couple didn’t just show up to the wedding — they were truly part of it,” said Emily Kathryn, a high-end specialty graphic designer for fully branded weddings.

Also behind the scenes, boutique wedding planning firm Shannon Wellington Weddings worked magic. Asya Photography and videographer MuddySnow Productions captured cherished moments.

EVERY ASPECT GLORIOUS

Today’s ultimate wedding events consider every aspect of the day, weekend or week. Couples share storybook narratives through personalized details, while focusing on guests’ experiences. Curated welcome bags greet out-of-towners. Valet parking for all lends to a stress-free atmosphere. Chef-run culinary stations, butlered hors d’oeuvres, sit-down feasts with flowing champagne and dessert bars delight family and friends. Premier venues are de rigueur.

Music makes the ambiance of each festivity: a string quartet for outdoor vows, harp in Winterthur’s splendor, light jazz piano from Hotel Du Pont’s balcony during cocktails, a band to raise the rafters at The Ivy or trumpet fanfares at Longwood Conservato-

ry’s doors to introduce newlyweds or send them off with flair. Combinations of DJs and live sax players or violinists are more than entertainers — they draw everyone onto the dance floor with light shows at the party of a lifetime.

SOMETHING BLUE … OR LAVENDER, LILAC OR ROSE

Dance under summer’s stars or take superlative photos by Longwood Conservatory’s ethereal blue poppies or any other row, trellis or blossom installation during their blooming season. Extraordinary wedding receptions at the landmark gardens debuted along with The Fountain Room and Longwood Reimagined in 2024. They often have special meaning — the site of a first date or, for one bride, the sublime space rooted in childhood memories of her grandfather helping shape the gardens.

Couples work with Longwood’s exclusive catering partner, Restaurant Associates, to select menu items that can be served on Rosenthal china dishes and a cocktail representing their union. Depending on the season, culinary delights include ingredients from the onsite ornamental kitchen garden. Longwood’s signature 1906 cocktail comes garnished with a flowering herb.

Mackenzie and Michael’s wedding

At a grand resort, Sruthi and Jason wed under an arch of white roses orchestrated by a wedding decorator. As husband and wife, they returned down the flower-lined aisle to fluttering rose petal confetti.

While the bride initially leaned toward a small, simple ceremony, with her parents’ encouragement she embraced a bigger occasion. Their invitation and RSVP packet featured an exquisite image of the pair at the Kennedy Center. More than 250 guests — from six countries and 18 U.S. states — gathered for a joyous multi-day event that included extended family and friends and honored multiple cultures’ traditions. International travelers attended various parties, visited New York City and toured the White House.

Jason, in tux, was beyond handsome. Sruthi was breathtaking. Her Jeune designer dress, flowing with luxurious layers of organza, was an elegant showstopper on a balcony overlooking a two-story crystal chandelier and on a giant stage created just for their party in the vast ballroom. Her jewelry outshone the chandelier, perhaps even the moon.

FIT FOR ROYALTY

Today’s trends in wedding jewelry take glamour to new levels of bright. Sparkling

diamonds, lustrous baroque pearls and gleaming metals — platinum and different colors of gold — command a crowd’s gaze in drop earrings, stacked rings and bands, and necklaces for the front or back.

While engagement rings and wedding bands are usually spotlighted, jewelry is for couples, families and guests at big weddings. A traditional Indian diamond bridal set was perfectly in keeping with Sruthi’s crystal tiara and crystal-embedded veil for the wedding day. Her mother’s bridal jewelry honored family, memories and culture at the rehearsal dinner. Around each room, fingers, ears and necklines of the bridal party, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends glittered, as everyone dressed to the nines.

To begin selecting rings, Benari’s online Build Your Own pages help guide and narrow choices of gem types and cuts, settings and styles. For personalized service at a boutique jeweler, visit Michael Cook Jeweler’s new-ish shop in Paoli for exquisite options. Working with a second-generation jeweler makes the experience a dream.

Sought-after designer gowns and attire for first class milestones include Vivienne Westwood’s fairytale layers of lace and embroidery, Elie Saab showpieces displaying beadwork and dreamy silhouettes, and

others’ couture. Book appointments for a spa, then Van Cleve in Paoli or Her Bridal Collective in Wayne, a hand-picked collection of the extraordinary, and prepare for unforgettable pampering.

Romantic pieces from the Oscar de la Renta collection — often the choice of royalty, and found at Elizabeth Johns in Ardmore — include strapless gowns with feathers, sequins, floral touches or dramatic hemlines to show off the most alluring shoes you’ll ever wear.

When every detail counts, brides select Manolo, Dior or Jimmy Choo — designer sandal stilettos with ankle straps, simple yet perfect cream pumps, or dance slippers shimmering with glitter.

SOMETHING OLD IS SOMETHING NEW

If a beloved old Chester County farm with idyllic features is your dream, Willowdale is for you. Set to open this fall, plans include getting-ready suites and eight overnight bedrooms in a charming yellow house, plus a magnificent party barn with loft. There is space for vows in a bucolic silo courtyard and cocktail hour with butlered hors d’oeuvres as guests meander between the Herb Kitchen Garden and the Millstone

Lounge showcasing original stonework. Who wouldn’t drool over wedding desserts, in addition to cake, at a chef-attended patisserie station of ornate mini hand-made desserts: crème brûlée, chocolate souffles and beignet flambé?

Willowdale is the breathtaking culmination of the talents of Jeffrey A. Miller Hospitality’s catering and event production, Archer & Buchanan Architecture, landscape designers and a palette of trees and pastureland outside Kennett Square.

Another spectacular option is The Ivy, a modern style farmhouse with beams, sconces and impeccable glam for black tie weddings that opened at Ellis Preserve in September 2024. Through the expertise of Finley Catering, guests sipping cocktails can take a peek at a dance floor ready for 300 guests. Bridal parties can enjoy photo ops in an archway or by stone buildings. Recently a couple transformed the farmhouse into an English garden using blossoms, large plants and linens of earth tones and hunter green.

With beautiful settings, services and every amenity possible, the sky is the limit for the ultimate wedding. All else that’s needed for an unforgettable, lavish, incomparable celebration is imagination and you. ©

1. Rendering of Willowdale

2. Wedding at Longwood Gardens

Guide to

No matter what size wedding you’re planning, or where you’d like it to take place, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at some of our favorites. From B&Bs to museums and historic sites plus additional services for the big day, it’s here for you.

Caterers, B&Bs, Farms, Inns and Resorts

Bear Creek Mountain Resort 101 Doe Mountain Ln., Macungie 610-682-7100; BCMountainResort.com

Set on 330 acres, Bear Creek Mountain Resort offers a stunning all-season wedding destination with an onsite hotel and spa, elegant indoor and outdoor ceremony options, and a professional culinary team and experienced wedding coordinators dedicated to bringing your vision to life. They ensure every detail is seamless, memorable and uniquely yours from start to finish for your perfect celebration experience together.

Chester County’s Brandywine Valley 21 W. Market St., West Chester BrandywineValley.com/Weddings

Chester County Tourism offers complimentary services for Chester County weddings. Browse their venues, from lush gardens to historic estates and elegant modern ballrooms. Enjoy convenient accommodations for your party and retreat to charming downtowns perfect for pre- and post-event festivities. They’ve got the details covered — room blocks for guests, trusted vendor recommendations and more to bring your vision to life. Contact them to see how they can help.

The Desmond

1 Liberty Blvd., Malvern 610-296-9800; DesmondWeddings.com

For couples dreaming of a wedding weekend guests will never forget, this award-winning, family-owned venue offers exceptional weddings that have unfolded for over 30 years. From elegant ballroom receptions to romantic woodland ceremonies beneath glowing string lights, every detail feels effortlessly luxurious. Guests love the onsite hotel accommodations, sophisticated dining and seamless planning support that turns visions into reality. One tour is all it takes to see why this sought-after destination books quickly year after year.

John Serock Catering

Loch Aerie Mansion, 700 Lancaster Pk., Malvern 610-640-2836; SerockCatering.com

Host your wedding celebration in Chester County’s historic yet timeless setting. Loch Aerie Mansion, built circa 1865, includes two ready suites for the couple and attendants to prepare for the big day. You can exchange your vows at the wedding wall in the grand ballroom or outside in the beautiful gardens. Enjoy the exquisite cuisine with excellent dining services provided exclusively by Serock Catering. Celebrate in the grand ballroom with 200+ of your family and friends.

The Barn at Paradise Station 312 Paradise Ln., Ronks 717-687-5000 ext. 117; BarnAtParadiseStation.com

Rustic elegance has a new address at The Barn at Paradise Station in beautiful Lancaster County. A wedding, event and entertainment venue with countryside and steam train views in a state-of-the-art, meticulously restored and technologically enhanced 1812 Pennsylvania bank barn on the iconic property of Paradise Station. One-of-a-kind space is fully climate controlled and ADA accessible, with elevator and restrooms for maximum comfort. See you soon … in Paradise.

Gallery & Museum Spaces

Delaware Museum of Nature and Science 4840 Kennett Pk., Wilmington 302-658-9111; DelMNS.org

The Delaware Museum of Nature and Science is a unique and special location with a variety of indoor and outdoor options for your ceremony and reception, including formal seated dinners, casual cocktail receptions or anything in between. Spaces include the Global Journey Gallery’s African Savanna, Arctic Tundra, Tropical Rainforest and Deep Sea, among the dinosaurs in the PaleoZone, or surrounded by trees in the Regional Journey Gallery, where you can dance across a map of Delaware.

Historic Buildings & Inns

Brampton 1860 Inn and Event Venue 25227 Chestertown Rd., Chestertown, MD 410-708-1511; BramptonInn.com

Brampton 1860 offers an all-inclusive wedding experience wrapped in historic romance. From luxury lodging to curated dining and in-house coordination, every key service is thoughtfully provided. Celebrate on a private Eastern Shore estate where your day feels seamless, intimate and unforgettable. At Brampton 1860, the focus is on you and your special event.

Cape May Historic Wedding Sites

Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) 1048 Washington St., Cape May, NJ 609-884-5404; CapeMayMAC.org/Weddings

Cape May offers unparalleled seaside historic splendor and charm for your engagement or wedding. Whether it’s a romantic proposal from atop the Cape May Lighthouse, a wedding on the beautiful and historic grounds of the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, or a cheerful trolley for your wedding party or guests, they are here to help you plan your special day in this very special place.

Clothier Hall of Wynnewood

630 Clothier Rd., Wynnewood 610-642-3174; Clothier-Hall.com

Situated on 5 acres, this historic venue offers a refined ballroom and spacious terrace. A memorable ceremony awaits under the open sky or in a tented patio. The terrace opens directly into the cocktail lounge to enjoy sparkling champagne. Inside, a stage for live entertainment and a large dance floor imbue the elegant ballroom. And remember, Clothier offers a fully finished wedding suite and free onsite parking for your guests.

The Creamery of Kennett Square

401 Birch St., Kennett Square KennettCreamery.com/Events

Celebrate your wedding in a beautifully restored, rustic stone venue in Kennett Square—once home to a historic milk plant. Accommodates up to 375 guests and now booking 2027 celebrations. An effortlessly elegant setting designed to carry you from the first toast to the final dance.

Graystone Mansion

53 S. 1st Ave., Coatesville 610-384-9282; SteelMuseum.org/BookVenue/Graystone.cfm

Built in 1889, Graystone Mansion’s ageless grandeur is blended with modern convenience making it a unique venue for events. From its circular drive, to its gorgeous grounds, to its hardwood moldings, Graystone Mansion is a perfect place to host catered events of distinction. It’s easy to envision Graystone Mansion as the backdrop for an elegant wedding reception, celebration or corporate meeting.

Inn at Leola Village

38 Deborah Dr., Leola 717-656-7002; TheInnAtLeolaVillage.com

A seamless blend of modern design and vintage charm set among acres of stunning gardens makes weddings at Leola Village truly unforgettable. They specialize in stress-free planning with luxury hotel rooms, catering, salon and spa services, restaurants, after-party bars, an onsite florist, pastry chef and experienced coordinators. Schedule a private tour to experience the effortless elegance and all-inclusive convenience that make Leola Village unlike any other venue.

Other Venues & Rehearsal Dinners

Pietro’s Prime 125 W. Market St., West Chester 484-760-6100; PietrosPrime.com

Pietro’s Prime, an upscale yet casual steakhouse and martini bar located in the heart of downtown West Chester, is perfect for your rehearsal dinner, shower or small wedding. Their quality cuisine and remarkable service will be just what you’re looking for to create your special memories. The private dining room or outside patio offer a perfect atmosphere for your special occasion for up to 55 guests seated or 75 in a cocktail-style setting.

Wedding Services Bridal Registry

The Little House Shop 503 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne 610-688-3222; LittleHouseShop.com

The Little House Shop has become a shop synonymous with home furnishings, luxurious gifts, quality stationery and an extensive bridal registry. Choose from the custom-made patterns of the Matouk Tillett collection, Juliska’s all new Sofia collection sporting rich colors and elegant watercolor patterns or Simon Pearce’s expansive collection of drinkware.

Flowers, Food & Gifts

Matlack Florist

210 N. Chester Rd., West Chester 610-431-3077; MatlackFlorist.com

Photo by Love by Joe Mac

Jewelers

Michael Cook Jeweler

1500 E. Lancaster Ave., Ste. 200, Paoli 610-644-5347; MichaelCookJeweler.com

With an 80-year foundation, Michael Cook Jeweler has evolved into the trusted family-owned destination for timeless luxury and exceptional quality. Their business specializes in exquisite engagement rings and wedding bands, as well as unique and classic fine jewelry. They provide a personalized experience worthy of marking life’s most meaningful moments. Please visit at their new location, hours by appointment.

Photography

Asya Photography AsyaPhotography.com

More Venues Barns

The Barn at Stonybrooke

4740 Lower Valley Rd., Atglen; 717-723-5183; TheBarnAtStoneybrooke.com

The Barn on Bridge 385 Bridge St., Collegeville; 610-287-8771; BarnOnBridge.com

Barn at Silverstone 62 Bowman Rd., Lancaster; 855-687-8920; TheBarnAtSilverstone.com

The Country Barn 211 S. Donerville Rd., Lancaster; 717-872-1554; CountryBarnWedding.com Farm at Eagles Ridge 465 Long Ln., Lancaster; 717-584-5179; FarmAtEaglesRidge.com

The Gables at Chadds Ford 423 Baltimore Pk., Chadds Ford; 610-388-7700; TheGablesAtChaddsFord.com

Harvest View Barn at Hershey Farms 338 Sunnyburn Rd., Elizabethtown; 717-665-7284; HarvestViewBarn.com

The High Point at St. Peter’s 2475 St. Peter’s Rd., Malvern; 610-644-2261; TheHighPointGV.com

Inn at Grace Winery (Sweetwater Farm) 50 Sweetwater Rd., Glen Mills; 610-459-4711; GraceWinery.com

Meredith Manor 2270 Pottstown Pk., Pottstown; 610-469-1700; ChesterCountyWedding.com

For Events of Distinction

geless grandeur blended with modern conveniences makes the 1889 Graystone Mansion a unique venue. From its circular drive, stunning grounds, hardwood moldings, to its historic architecture, Graystone Mansion is the perfect setting for your event.

Graystone Mansion In The Lukens Historic District 53 South First Avenue Coatesville, PA 19320 610-384-9282 admin@steelmuseum.org www.steelmuseum.org

Gardens & Arboretums

(With Manor House or Mansion)

Parque Ridley Creek

351 Gradyville Rd., Newtown Square; 484-580-8260; ParqueRidleyCreek.com

Tyler Arboretum

515 Painter Rd., Media; 610-213-3097; TylerArboretum.org

Welkinweir Estate

1368 Prizer Rd., Pottstown; 610-469-7543; Welkinweir.org

Historic Buildings

Anthony Wayne House at Historic Waynesborough 2049 Waynesborough Rd., Paoli; 610-647-1779; PhilaLandmarks.org

Duportail House

297 Adams Dr., Chesterbrook; 610-644-4840; DuportailHouse.com

Franklin Hall, Franklin Commons

400 Franklin Ave., Phoenixville; 610-983-4640; FranklinCommonsEvents.com

Historic Rock Ford Plantation

881 Rockford Rd., Lancaster; 717-799-8751; RockFordPlantation.org

John James Audubon Center 1201 Pawlings Rd., Audubon; 610-990-3411; JohnJames.Audubon.org

Manor House at Springton Manor 860 Springton Rd., Glenmoore; 610-733-2516; SpringtonManorFarm.com

Merion Tribute House 625 Hazelhurst Ave., Merion Station; 610-664-1267; TributeHouse.com

Phoenixville Foundry

2 N. Main St., Phoenixville; 610-917-8400; PhoenixvilleFoundry.com

Radnor Hunt

826 Providence Rd., Malvern; 610-644-4439; RadnorHunt.org

Saturday Club

117 W. Wayne Ave., Wayne; 610-688-9746; SaturdayClub.org

University & Whist Club

805 N. Broom St., Wilmington; 302-658-5125; UniversityAndWhistClub.com

Washington Memorial Chapel Valley Forge National Park, Valley Forge; 610-783-0120; WMChapel.org

Wheatland 1120 Marietta Ave., Lancaster; 717-392-4633; Wheatland.org

The Willows

490 Darby Paoli Rd., Villanova; 484-580-8260; WillowsVillanova.com ©

Final Fling,

TBACHELOR AND BACHELORETTE PARTIES ARE BIGGER — AND MORE STYLISH — THAN EVER

Shannon Montgomery

HE BRIDAL PARTY BEGAN

in Paris, staying on a private floor of a palace hotel before spending a day horseback riding through the grounds of Versailles. Then came a private flight south for a three-day yacht charter along the French Riviera. “As they sailed the coast of France, they enjoyed incredible beach clubs, shopping and sightseeing,” said Rachel Shoemaker, founder of Louisa White Travel in Malvern.

As couples continue to personalize every aspect of their weddings, bachelor and bachelorette — or “bach” — parties are getting the same curated treatment. Welcome to the world of luxury bach trips, where bucket-list destinations, opulent accommodations and once-in-a-lifetime experiences set the tone of the celebration.

BACH PARTIES, ELEVATED

Bachelor and bachelorette parties have evolved far beyond the traditional “last night of freedom.” Today’s celebrations are

often multiday getaways — according to a 2023 study by The Knot, 92% of bachelorette parties are overnight events, with many stretching into long weekends. As couples marry later in life, they’re bringing bigger budgets, more PTO and a greater focus on meaningful experiences to their prewedding celebrations.

Destination parties have also become the norm. For many couples, wedding parties are made up of hometown friends, college roommates, coworkers and family spread across the country, and a weekend away may be the only opportunity to gather everyone together before the big day.

“Recently, the most popular bachelor and bachelorette destinations I’ve been planning are places that blend natural beauty, culture and a sense of effortless luxury,” said Shoemaker. “Portugal, Spain and the Greek Islands are incredibly popular because they offer stunning scenery, amazing food and luxe hotels that make a celebration feel truly special.”

For experience-oriented Millennials and Gen Z, the focus is less on endless bar crawls and more on curated, memorable moments. “One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is brides choosing elevated, personalized experiences over the traditional nonstop party weekend,” said Allison Odhner, founder of Bach to Basic, a Philadelphiabased bachelor and bachelorette party-planning service. “Luxury now feels more intentional — private chefs, curated itineraries, yacht days, wellness experiences and small, thoughtful details that make the celebration feel completely customized.”

Stateside favorites include Napa and Sonoma for culinary escapes, and Scottsdale and Sedona for spa days and outdoor adventure. For beach lovers, Shoemaker said the Caribbean — especially Turks & Caicos and Anguilla — remains a top choice for villa stays, luxury resorts and private yacht charters.

Of course, these elevated parties come at a price. According to wedding planning

website Joy, the average bach party cost $1,300 per person in 2025 — nearly double the average in 2019 — with luxury destinations and custom experiences pushing costs even higher.

DIFFERENT PARTIES, SAME LUXURY

While both bachelor and bachelorette parties are getting longer, more personalized and experience-driven, the celebrations themselves can look very different. “Bachelor and bachelorette groups do often tend to prioritize different styles of luxury,” Shoemaker said.

Bachelorette parties often revolve around aesthetics and curated experiences. Think themed décor, matching outfits, custom goodie bags and plenty of Insta-worthy moments — sometimes even professional photo shoots. Destination-wise, Shoemaker said many groups gravitate toward wine regions, European cities or Caribbean beaches, paired with spa days, cooking classes and private boat charters.

Odhner recalled planning a Napa getaway where the group rented an entire bedand-breakfast in the heart of Wine Country. Days were filled with private winery tastings, followed by elegant dinners out and a private-chef experience back at the villa.

Bachelor trips, meanwhile, “lean more toward adventure, choosing safaris, skiing, golf, motorsports or major sporting events,” Shoemaker said. They also tend to come with higher price tags, according to

the Washington Post. With bachelor groups typically smaller in size, there are fewer people splitting the cost of premium experiences — from VIP weekends in Las Vegas to private tee times in Scotland.

One standout bachelor trip Shoemaker coordinated took a group on a safari through Botswana and Zimbabwe before wrapping up with a weekend in Cape Town. The itinerary included exclusive use of luxury lodges and private game vehicles, plus a quad bike adventure through the Makgadikgadi salt pans and a helicopter tour over the Cape Peninsula. “It was adventure-forward but still incredibly elevated,” she said.

LUXURY CLOSE TO HOME

Planning a luxury bachelor or bachelorette party doesn’t have to mean hopping on a plane. With the right setting, thoughtful details and curated experiences, an elevated celebration can happen just a short drive from home. “A luxury bachelorette party doesn’t necessarily require major travel,” said Odhner. “You can create an incredible experience close to home with the right accommodations, private experiences, beautiful décor and seamless planning that allows the group to fully relax and enjoy the weekend.”

The Brandywine Valley offers plenty of inspiration for a close-to-home getaway. Spend the day touring local vineyards, breweries or distilleries before retreating to cozy private cottages at the Inn at Grace Winery. Or plan a bookworm’s dream stay-

cation at the Bookhouse at Faunbrook. For those craving sand and sea, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland beaches are all within easy driving distance.

No matter the destination, Odhner said the key is creating intentional moments throughout the weekend. “Brides want the weekend to feel effortless, aesthetically cohesive, and memorable from start to finish, without spending the entire trip coordinating logistics, which means staying closer to home is a great option if there is a destination within driving distance,” she said. Thoughtful touches — matching pajamas, personalized games, private chefs or hands-on crafts — can transform even a nearby getaway into something that feels truly special.

Whether it’s a yacht on the French Riviera, a safari in Botswana or a weekend staycation here in the Brandywine Valley, today’s bachelor and bachelorette parties are all about creating meaningful experiences with the people closest to you. In the era of the luxury bach trip, the destination matters — but the memories made along the way matter even more. ©

1. Bachelorette party at San Diego’s Rancho Bernardo Inn, planned by Bach to Basic

2. Bachelor trip to the Bahamas planned by Bach to Basic

County Lines country is in full bloom, and we asked you to help capture it! During June, we’ll showcase each finalist’s photo on Facebook. To vote, just follow and like our page, then like your favorite photo. The entrant with the most likes* will win a family membership to Longwood Gardens for up to five people.

*Check the rules on our website.

“Earth Day,” Longwood Gardens

2. Elizabeth Yoncha

Longwood Gardens

3. Amanda Cantor

Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens

4. Debbie Huff

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

“Blue Bells in the Valley,” Mill Grove

6.

Glen Mills

7.

Eagle

“Hope

Phoenixville

Birchrunville

16. Mary Corish

East Branch Brandywine Trail

17. Sophie Lutz

“Love in Bloom,” West Chester

18. Rebecca Moyer

Longwood Gardens

19.

West Caln

20.

Longwood Gardens

1. Tricia Townsend

5. Lisa Schmel

Hollis Octavia Armstead

Sharon Haines

Longwood Gardens

8. Jaime Reihman

Longwood Gardens

9. Maureen Bernfield

10. Joyce Fedora

11. Nina Truehart

in Bloom,” West Chester University

12. Monica Peta

Gunther Sunflower Field

13. Nicci Lynn

14. Janet Geissler

Longwood Gardens

15. Ray Slavinski

Margaret Vara Reyes

Peggy Sopczynski Berrodin

21. Debbie Foley

Longwood Gardens

Offer

June 15, 2026 Get 12 monthly issues, including...

• Guide to County Lines Country (July 2026)

• Celebrating Chester County (September 2026)

• Holiday Issue (December 2026) • Local Dining Guide (January 2027) • Fine Home Issue (February 2027) • Equestrian Issue (May 2027)

• And 6 more!

DINING GUIDE

Choose to dine inside or outside —

Pennsylvania

Berwyn

The Berwyn Tavern

625 Lancaster Ave.

610-889-9352; BerwynTavern.net

H Nectar

1091 Lancaster Ave.

610-725-9000; TasteNectar.com

Birchrunville

Birchrunville Store Café

1403 Hollow Rd.

610-827-9002; BirchrunvilleStoreCafe.com

H ButterScotch Pastry Shop

1406 Hollow Rd.

610-827-0900; ButterScotchPastry.com

Bryn Mawr

H The Pullman Restaurant & Bar

39 Morris Ave.

610-727-0777; ThePullmanRestaurant.com

Chadds Ford

Chadds Ford Tavern

1400 Baltimore Pk.

484-800-4084; TheCFTavern.com

The Gables at Chadds Ford 423 Baltimore Pk. 610-388-7700; TheGablesAtChaddsFord.com

H Hank’s Place 1625 Creek Rd. 610-332-0400; HanksPlaceChaddsFord.com

Chester

Springs

H Bloom Southern Kitchen 123 Pottstown Pk. 484-359-4144; BloomSouthernKitchen.com

Epicurean Garage 570 Simpson Dr. 610-615-5189; EpicureanGarage.com

H Life’s Patina Co. Mercantile & Café 1657 Art School Rd. LifesPatina.com/Historic-Yellow-Springs

Limoncello Ristorante (also in West Chester)

499 E. Uwchlan Ave.

610-524-3112; LimoncelloRestaurant.com

H The Stables Kitchen & Beer Garden 160 Park Rd. 484-696-7889; TheStablesBeerGarden.com

White Dog Cafe (5 locations) 181 Gordon Dr. 610-827-9000; WhiteDog.com/ChesterSprings

Coatesville

Kings Tavern 313 W. Kings Hwy. 484-786-8120; KingsTavern.net

Stottsville Inn Restaurant, Hotel & Bar 3512 Strasburg Rd. 484-718-5121; StottsvilleInn.com

Devon

H Black Cat Café 42 Berkley Rd. 610-688-1930; TheBlackCatCafeDevon.org

Pizzeria Vetri

138 W. Lancaster Ave. 484-207-6663; PizzeriaVetri.com

H Terrain Cafe

138 W. Lancaster Ave. 610-590-4675

ShopTerrain.com/Devon-Restaurant

Downingtown

Anthony’s Cucina Fresca

78 W. Lancaster Ave. 610-873-5544; AnthonysCucinaFresca.com

Rooftop Bars & Restaurants

This summer, take your outdoor drinking and dining to new heights at these rooftop bars and restaurants. Azie. Sample premium sakes, Asian beers, wine and seasonal craft cocktails overlooking Media’s State Street. 217 W. State St., Media. Azie-Restaurant.com

Bistro on Bridge. Sip brews from the groovy VW beer bus while you play Jenga or jumbo Connect Four at this rooftop beer garden. 212 Bridge St., Phoenixville. BistroOnBridge.com

Buckley’s Tavern. Enjoy American comfort classics and beer at the covered upstairs bar and rooftop terrace. 5812 Kennett Pk., Wilmington. BuckleysTavern.com

East Branch Brewing Company. Pair craft beer and cocktails with pub grub at this lively rooftop bar. 202 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown. EastBranchBrewing.com

The Great American Pub. Watch the big game at the bar or sit under twinkling lights on this happening rooftop. 4 West Ave., Wayne. TheGreatAmericanPub.com/Wayne

Más Mexicali Cantina. Choose from over 100 tequila options with stunning sunset views over downtown West Chester. 102 E. Market St., West Chester. MasMexicali.com

Off the Rail. Listen to live music or catch the game on the jumbo projector screen at this convivial rooftop bar and patio. 109 W. State St., Media. OffTheRailMedia.com

Station 142. Live music takes center stage at this buzzy music venue’s rooftop bar. 142 E. Market St., West Chester. Station142.com

H Downingtown Diner

81 W. Lancaster Ave.

610-873-4545; DTownDiner.com

H Green Street Grill

150 E. Pennsylvania St. 610-873-1700; GreenStGrill.com

La Sponda

20 E. Lancaster Ave. 484-593-4488; LaSponda.com

H Mother

202 E. Lancaster Ave. MotherTaco.com

H Myrtos

47 W. Lancaster Ave. 610-514-0000; MyrtosRestaurant.com

Pomod’oro Pizza & Italian Restaurant

200 Chestnut St. 610-873-0405; PomodoroDowningtown.com

H The Borough

149 E. Lancaster Ave. 484-364-4525; Go2Borough.com

The Social (also in West Chester)

541 W. Lancaster Ave.

484-593-4113; SocialOn30.com

H Station Taproom

207 W. Lancaster Ave. 484-593-0560; StationTaproom.com

Thorndale Inn

430 Bondsville Rd. 610-269-5455; ThorndaleInn.com

H Victory Brewing Co. 420 Acorn Ln. 610-873-0881; VictoryBeer.com Exton

Appetites on Main

286 Main St.

610-594-2030; AppetitesOnMain.com

Bluefin

555 Wellington Sq. 610-458-3234; BluefinEagleview.com

Gentili’s Pizza & Steaks

318 Lincoln Hwy. E. 610-477-7747; GentilisPizza.com

H L’Olivo Trattoria

570 Wellington Sq. 610-340-8115; LOlivoTrattoria.com

Mama Wong

268 Eagleview Blvd.

484-713-8888; BestMamaWong.com

Ron’s Original Bar & Grille

74 E. Uwchlan Ave.

610-594-9900; RonsOriginal.com

Ron’s Original Bar & Grille is dedicated to

serving “real food, for the health of it!” Offering your favorite dishes with the best in quality, clean ingredients. Available for dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering and private events! Give them a call today

Kennett Square

H 1906 & The Fountain Room Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd. 610-388-1000; LongwoodGardens.org/Dine

H The Creamery of Kennett Square 401 Birch St. 484-732-7040; KennettCreamery.com

Giordano’s 633 E. Cypress St. 610-444-5733; GiordanosKSQ.com

H Hank’s Place 1625 Creek Rd. 610-332-0400; HanksPlaceChaddsFord.com

Hearth Kitchen 847 E. Baltimore Pk. 484-732-8320; HearthKennettSquare.com

H Hood’s BBQ 1664 W. Doe Run Rd. 610-347-1670; HoodsBBQ.com

H La Verona 114 E. State St. 610-444-2244; LaVeronaPA.com

H Portabello’s of Kennett Square 108 E. State St. 610-925-4984; PortabellosOfKennettSquare.com

H Sovana Bistro 696 Unionville Rd. 610-444-5600; SovanaBistro.com

H Talula’s Table 102 W. State St. 610-444-8255; TalulasTable.com

Tratorria La Tavola 127 E. State St. 484-731-4176; TrattoriaLaTavolaKennett.com

Kimberton

Kimberton Inn 2105 Kimberton Rd. 610-933-8148; KimbertonInn.com

King of Prussia

King of Prussia Town Center 155 Village Dr., Ste. 100 KingOfPrussia-TownCenter.com

There are about a dozen restaurants here— Founding Farmers, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, District Taco, Fogo de Chão, Vitality Bowls, Kooma and City Works to name a few.

Rooftop at Más Mexicali Cantina

Malvern

Anthony’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant

127 W. King St. 610-647-7400; AnthonysMalvern.com

Brick & Brew (also in Media & Havertown)

400 E. King St. 484-320-8688; BrickNBrewPub.com

Cedar Hollow Inn Restaurant & Bar 2455 Yellow Springs Rd. 610-296-9006; CedarHollowInn.com

The Classic Diner

352 Lancaster Ave. 610-725-0515; TheClassicDinerPA.com

H Dixie Picnic

215 Lancaster Ave. 484-320-8024; DixiePicnic.com

H Fattoush

182 E Lancaster Ave. 484-568-4465; FattoushHealthyDining.com

The Fern & Fable 39 Conestoga Rd. 610-647-1900; TheFernAndFable.com

The Flying Pig

121 E. King St. 610-578-9208; @TheFlyingPigSaloon

H Fork & Bottle at The Desmond 1 Liberty Blvd. 610-296-9800; ForkAndBottleMalvern.com

H General Warren

9 Old Lancaster Rd. 610-296-3637; GeneralWarren.com

H The Jockey Tavern

240 Lancaster Ave. 610-296-2222; JockeyTavern.com

H Joey Chops

245 Lancaster Ave. 484-450-8890; JoeyChops.com

H The Buttery Cafe

233 E. King St. 610-296-2534; TheButteryCafe.com

Rakkii Sushi & Ramen

235 Lancaster Ave. 610-889-3888; RakkiiUSA.com

H Restaurant Alba

7 W. King St. 610-644-4009; RestaurantAlba.com

Toninos Pizza & Pasta Co.

235 Lancaster Ave. 610-240-9566;ToninosPizzaAndPasta.com

Media

H Ariano

114 S. Olive St. 610-892-6944; ArianoMedia.com

Azie Media

217 W. State St. 610-566-4750; Azie-Restaurant.com

H Bittersweet Kitchen

18 S. Orange St. 610-566-1660; EatAtBittersweet.com

H Brick & Brew (also in Malvern & Havertown)

26 W. State St. 484-443-8441; BrickNBrewPub.com

Court Diner & Restaurant

140 E. Baltimore Ave. 610-566-4403; @MediaCourtDiner

H Departure

2 Orange St. 610-502-3833; DepartureDelco.com

H Desert Rose

305 W. State St. 484-442-8012; DesertRoseMediaPA.com

Dim Sum Mania

17-19 E. State St. 610-557-8757; DimSumMania.com

H Fellini Cafe

106 W. State St. 610-892-7616; FellinisCafe.com

Jackson Street Steaks

110 S. Jackson St. JacksonStreetSteaks.com

La Belle Epoque

38 W. State St. 610-566-6808; LaBelleBistro.com

La Porta 1192 N. Middletown Rd. 610-358-5104; LaPortaRestaurant.com

H Maris

214 W. State St. 267-500-2979; MarisSeafood.com

Pinocchio’s Restaurant

131 E. Baltimore Ave. 610-566-7767; PinPizza.com

Stephen’s on State 105 W. State St. 610-891-8900; StephensOnState.com

Sterling Pig Brewery 609 W. State St. 484-444-2526; SterlingPig.com

Shere-E-Punjab 210 W. State St. 610-891-0400; Shere-E-Punjab.com

H Taquero 111 Veterans Sq. 610-920-0115; TaqueroMX.com

Tom’s Dim Sum 13 E. State St. 610-566-6688; TomsDimSum.com

H The Towne House 177 Veterans Sq. 484-445-2041; TowneHousePA.com

Newtown Square

Hiramasa 2554 West Chester Pk. 484-420-4023; HiramasaPA.com

LaScala’s Fire (also in West Chester) 3739 West Chester Pk. 484-900-2828; LaScalasFire.com

La Locanda Ristorante Italiano 4989 West Chester Pk. 610-353-7033; LaLocandaPA.com

Teca (also in West Chester) 191 S. Newtown Street Rd. 484-420-4010; TecaRestaurants.com

Teikoku 5492 West Chester Pk. 610-644-8270; TeikokuRestaurant.com

Paoli

Main Line Tavern 516 E. King Rd. 484-320-8198; MainLineTavern.com

Trattoria San Nicola 4 Manor Rd. 610-695-8990; SanNicola.net

Ron’s Original Bar & Grille

Scan or visit bvspca.org

Kennett Square

Outdoor Dining in Towns and Boroughs

Downtown Kennett is abuzz this summer. The popular Third Thursdays on State Street return through October with outdoor dining, extended shopping hours, live music and family-friendly activities. Special events include Kennett Summerfest, June 14, featuring local and regional wineries, cideries and meaderies, plus fine food, live music, workshops and more. KennettCollaborative.org

Media

Dining Under the Stars returns on Wednesday evenings through September. Dozens of restaurants in the historic State Street District offer outdoor seating in a picture-perfect setting, serving cuisine from around the world. Enjoy live music, free balloon art and featured nonprofits weekly, plus dancing and classic Corvettes on select evenings. VisitMediaPA.com

Phoenixville

PXV Inside Out brings the community together weekly through October 4. Dine out or enjoy a drink with friends, stroll and shop downtown, take in a show or play in one of the parks. Plus, jam to live music every Sunday, 4 to 6 p.m. The 100 and 200 blocks of Bridge Street are closed to traffic from Friday at 2 through Monday morning. PhoenixvilleFirst.org

West Chester

The Gay Street Open-Air Market is back! Four blocks of Gay Street (between Matlack and Darlington Streets) are closed to vehicles, Friday to Monday mornings through September. Restaurants extend into the street, so you can savor the beautiful weather as you eat. Note: Gay Street will remain closed on Memorial Day and Labor Day and close a day early on Thursdays ahead of Juneteenth and Independence Day. DowntownWestChester.com

Phoenixville

260 Bridge Cafe

260 Bridge St. 610-600-6570; @260BridgeCafe

H Avlós Greek Cuisine

258 Bridge St. 610-455-4110; AvlosGr.com

H Bistro on Bridge 212 Bridge St. 610-935-7141; BistroOnBridge.com

H Black Lab Bistro

248 Bridge St. 610-935-5988; BlackLabBistro.net

H The Boardroom Restaurant

101 Bridge St. 610-235-0620; TheBoardroomPXV.com

G-Lodge Cafe 1371 Valley Forge Rd. 610-933-1646; GLodgeCafe.com

The Great American Pub (also in Wayne) 148 Bridge St. 610-917-3333; TheGreatAmericanPub.com

The Local 324 Bridge St. 484-924-8075; TheLocalPhoenixville.com

Molly Maguire’s Irish Restaurant & Pub 197 Bridge St. 610-933-9550; MollyMaguiresPhoenixville.com

H Nook & Kranny Kafe 847 Valley Forge Rd. 610-933-5393; NookAndKrannyKafe.com

Root Down Brewing 1 N. Main St. 484-302-5407; RootDownBrewing.com

Sedona Taphouse (also in West Chester) 131 Bridge St. 484-302-5714; SedonaTaphouse.com

Rivertown Taps 226 Bridge St. 484-924-9112; RivertownTaps.com

Seven Stars Inn 263 Hoffecker Rd. 610-495-5205; SevenStarsInn.com

H Soko Bag

95 Nutt Rd. 855-765-6224; SokoBag.com

Steel City Coffeehouse & Brewery 203 Bridge St. 484-924-8425; SteelCityBrews.com

Pottstown

The Blue Elephant (also in Wayne)

152 E. High St. 484-949-9084; BlueElephantBar.com

Thornton

Bierhaul Farmhouse (also in West Chester) 341 Thornton Rd. 610-550-3440; Bierhaul.com

Wayne

A Taste of Britain

503 W. Lancaster Ave. 610-971-0390; ATOBritain.com

H At the Table

118 W. Lancaster Ave. 610-964-9700; AtTheTableWayne.com

H Autograph Brasserie

503 W. Lancaster Ave. 610-964-2588; AutographBrasserie.com

Black Powder Tavern 1164 Valley Forge Rd. 610-293-9333; BlackPowderTavern.com

The Blue Elephant (also in Pottstown) 110 N. Wayne Ave. 484-580-6142; BlueElephantWayne.com

Christopher’s – A Neighborhood Place 108 N. Wayne Ave. 610-687-6558 ChristophersANeighborhoodPlace.com

DanDan

214 Sugartown Rd. 484-580-8558; DanDanRestaurant.com

H The Goat’s Beard

103 N. Wayne Ave. 484-584-4979; TheGoatsBeardPhilly.com

H The Great American Pub (also in Phoenixville) 4 West Ave. 610-964-9535; TheGreatAmericanPub.com

H Maison Lotus 175 Lancaster Ave. 610-527-5700; Maison-Lotus.com

H Matines Café 757 Lancaster Ave. 484-580-2982; MatinesCafe.com

H Minella’s Diner 320 Lancaster Ave. 610-687-1575; MinellasDiner.com

H Rosalie 139 E. Lancaster Ave. 610-977-0600; RosalieWayne.com

Takumi Bistro & Bar 821 Lancaster Ave. 610-922-1788; TakumiBistro.com

Teresa’s Café and Next Door Bar 124 N. Wayne Ave. 610-293-9909; Teresas-Cafe.com

White Dog Cafe (5 locations) 200 W. Lancaster Ave. 610-225-3700; WhiteDog.com West Chester

See West Chester article and map in this issue.

H 9 Prime 9 N. High St. 610-365-3309; 9PrimeWestChester.com

Andiario

106 W. Gay St. 484-887-0919; Andiario.com

H Bar Avalon

116 E. Gay St. 610-436-4100; AvalonRestaurant.net

H Barnaby’s Restaurant & Pub 15 S. High St. 610-696-1400; BarnabysWC.com

Beer Gardens

The Creamery of Kennett Square

Spend a warm summer evening with an ice-cold beer in hand, perhaps playing lawn games or grooving to live music. Many beer gardens operate weather permitting, so check conditions before heading out.

Bierhaul Farmhouse. European lagerhaus with spacious patio and outdoor seating. Closed Mondays. 341 Thornton Rd., Thonrton. Bierhaul.com

The Creamery of Kennett Square. Beer garden in the converted 1902 Eastern Condensed Milk Company building, open Thursday to Sunday. 401 Birch St., Kennett Square. KennettCreamery.com

H Bier and Loathing

113 W. Market St.

610-289-0079; BierAndLoathing.com

Bierhaul Townhouse (also in Thornton) 15 N. Walnut St. 717-918-0868; Bierhaul.com

H Bored Trading Cafe 139 W. Gay St. 484-947-0802; BoredTradingCafe.com

DK Diner

609 E. Gay St. 610-692-2946; DKDiner.com

Four Dogs Tavern 1300 W. Strasburg Rd. 610-692-4367; TheFourDogsTavern.com

H Good, Bad & Ugly

158 W. Gay St. 484-999-0922; GoodBadUglyWC.com

Greystone Oyster Bar 7 N. Church St. 610-241-3369; GreystoneOysterBarWC.com

H Ground Provisions

1388 Old Wilmington Pk. 610-355-4411; GroundProvisionsPA.com

Levante Brewing Co. West Chester taproom (closed Mondays), plus beer garden at Highland Orchards, Saturdays and Sundays through October. 208 Carter Dr., West Chester. LevanteBrewing.com

Longwood Gardens. Beer garden, featuring Victory Brewing Company brews, open through August 27. Garden admission ticket required. Closed Tuesdays. 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square. LongwoodGardens.org

Pinocchio’s Beer Garden To-Go. Bottle shop and beer garden with over 1,000 specialty beers for takeout. Open daily. 131 E. Baltimore Pk., Media. PinBeer.com

Ship Bottom Beer Garden at Linvilla Orchards. Beer garden, featuring Ship Bottom brews and specialty Linvilla Orchards hard cider, open Friday to Sunday through Labor Day. Check online for fall hours. 137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media. Linvilla.com

The Stables Kitchen & Beer Garden. Indoor and outdoor beer garden with 21+ and kidfriendly sections. Leashed pets

welcome. Closed Mondays. 160 Park Rd., Chester Springs. TheStablesBeerGarden.com

Sterling Pig Brewery. Brewery with kidfriendly and dog-friendly outdoor beer garden. Open daily. 609 W. State St., Media. SterlingPig.com

Suburban in Sadsburyville. Seasonal beer garden featuring Suburban Brewing Company beer. Open Friday to Sunday through October. 3000 Lincoln Hwy., Parkesburg. SuburbanBG.com

Wilmington Brew Works. German beer hall with patio and beer garden. Live music on summer Saturdays. Open daily. 3129 Miller Rd., Wilmington. WilmingtonBrewWorks.com

Kildare’s Irish Pub

18 W. Gay St. 610-431-0770; KildaresPubWC.com

Kooma Asian Fusion & Sushi Bar 123 N. Church St. 610-430-8980; KoomaFusion.com

H La Baguette Magique

202 W. Market St. 484-947-5024; @LaBaguetteMagique

H Lasagnola

134 E. Gay St. LasagnolaWC.com

H Limoncello Ristorante (also in Chester Springs)

9 N. Walnut St. 610-436-6230; LimoncelloRestaurant.com

H Market Street Grill

6 W. Market St. 610-429-5328; TheMarketStreetGrill.com

Más Mexicali Cantina 102 E. Market St. 610-918-6280; MasMexicali.com

The Mediterranean Restaurant & Bakery 150 W. Gay St. 610-431-7074; TheMedWCPA.com

Mercato Ristorante & Bar

33 W. Market St. 610-701-6326; Mercato-WC.com

H Mino Sushi & Ramen

2 W. Gay St. 610-301-8869; MinoRamen.com

H Mistral French & Fast

130 W. Miner St. 610-816-1817; MistralFrenchAndFast.com

H Nanu’s Hot Chicken

314 S. High St. 610-840-6008; NanusHotChicken.co

H Opa Taverna

40 E. Gay St. 610-696-4100; OpaTaverna.com

H Oola Bowls

16 E. Gay St. 610-978-9380; OolaBowls.com

The Pear

275 Brintons Bridge Rd. 484-260-1425; ThePearDilworthtown.com

Penn’s Table Restaurant

100 W. Gay St. 610-696-0677; @PennsTableRestaurant

Pietro’s Prime Steakhouse & Martini Bar

125 W. Market St. 484-760-6100; PietrosPrime.com

Ship Bottom at Linvilla Orchards

H Roots Cafe

133 E. Gay St. 610-455-0100; RootsCafeWC.com

Ryan’s Pub

124 W. Gay St. 610-344-3934; Ryans-Pub.com

Saloon 151 Whiskey Bar & Grill

151 W. Gay St. 610-701-8489; Saloon151.com

Santino’s Tap & Table

40 E. Market St. 610-738-5491; SantinosTapAndTable.com

H Sedona Taphouse (also in Phoenixville) 44 W. Gay St. 610-738-5104; SedonaTaphouse.com

H Slow Hand

30 N. Church St. 484-999-8638; SlowHand-WC.com

The Social 117 E. Gay St. 610-738-3948; TheSocialWC.com

H Station 142

142 E. Market St. 484-947-5416; Station142.com

The Original Spence Cafe

131 N. High St. 610-918-1272; Spence.Cafe

Stove & Tap

158 W. Gay St. 484-999-0922; StoveAndTap.com

H Taco Mar

122 E. Gay St. 610-455-1400; TacoMar.com

H Taqueria Los Poblanos 445 Hannum Ave. 484-908-8680; @Tacos_WC

Teca (also in Newtown Square)

38 E. Gay St. 610-738-8244; TecaRestaurants.com

West Marlborough

H The Whip Tavern 1383 N. Chatham Rd. 610-383-0600; TheWhipTavern.com

Northern Delaware

H Bardea Food & Drink 620 N. Market St., Wilmington 302-426-2069; BardeaWilmington.com

H Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront 720 Justison St., Wilmington 302-652-3474; BigFishRiverfront.com

H Buckley’s Tavern 5812 Kennett Pk., Centreville 302-656-9776; BuckleysTavern.com

Centreville Place: Cafe + Market 5800 Kennett Pk., Centreville 302-777-4911; CentrevillePlace.com

H Chelsea Tavern 821 N. Market St., Wilmington 302-482-3333; ChelseaTavern.com

Columbus Inn 2216 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington 302-571-1492; ColumbusInn.net

H Kozy Korner

906 N. Union St., Wilmington 302-658-0812; KozyKorner-Restaurant.com

H La Fête

2530 Concord Pk., Wilmington 302-374-0779; LaFeteDelaware.com

H La Fia

421 N. Market St., Wilmington 302-543-4474; LaFiaWilmington.com

H Le Cavalier at the Hotel du Pont

42 W. 11th St., Wilmington 302-594-3154; LeCavalierDE.com

H Merchant Bar

426 N. Market St., Wilmington 302-502-3385; MerchantBarWilmington.com

Quoin Restaurant

519 N. Market St., Wilmington 302-446-5600; TheQuoinHotel.com ©

Independent Schools Vie for #1

LACROSSE, BASEBALL, ROWING AND TRACK

Edwin Malet

IT’S BEEN AN EXCEPTIONAL spring sports season, especially for Malvern Prep’s and Episcopal Academy’s boys’ lacrosse teams, which are ranked 1st and 2nd in the state. And for girls’ lacrosse, Episcopal Academy, Agnes Irwin School and Academy of Notre Dame de Namur are nearly in a dead heat. Outstanding athletic performances extend beyond lacrosse to baseball, rowing and track, where our independent schools have shown their extraordinary prowess.

BOYS’ LACROSSE

The Malvern Prep Friars, coached by Matt Mackrides, are ranked #1 in Pennsylvania and #15 nationally in lacrosse, with a 21–2 record. All 18 of the team’s players have committed to college. Its top two

seniors, Danny Riely and Dylan Novak, are both off to Notre Dame next year.

Playing midfield, Riely centers the team and initiates much of the team’s scoring. He’s also a standout in football, playing running back and free safety. Meanwhile, Novak stands 6'4" at 215 pounds and at defender is known for his physicality and transition play. A four-star recruit, he was ranked the #71 player overall in the Class of ’26 by Inside Lacrosse. Like Riely, Novak was also a standout in football. He has a 4.0 GPA and plans to study neuroscience or business.

Ranked #2 in Pennsylvania are Episcopal Academy’s Churchmen with a midMay record of 20–3. Trained by Coach Steve Colfer, the team has had some big wins along the way.

Midfielder and attackman Jackson Orcutt, known for his speed, physical dodging and versatile scoring, has been outstanding, scoring 21 goals and 10 assists. He’ll attend the University of North Carolina. Playing defense and headed to Georgetown, David Brickman had 61 ground balls and caused 35 turnovers. He’s notable for his physical style of play and “active stick,” which allows him to shadow top opposing attackmen.

In Delaware, Wilmington Friends School is 11–1 at mid-season and is currently ranked #2 in Delaware by MaxPreps, having beaten Tower Hill, Sanford and Tatnall Schools, among others. Frank Kerwood, the Quakers’ coach, commented: “If we continue to combine disciplined defense with our balanced offense, I believe we have

the potential to compete for a conference title and make noise at the state level.”

Senior captain Rhys Butler, at attack, has scored 29 goals over the first 12 games of the season. He’ll play at Denison College next year. Goalie Ethan Lukach, also a senior captain, has 102 saves so far and will play lacrosse at Gettysburg College. He was also on the basketball team and maintains a 4.0 GPA.

GIRLS’ LACROSSE

Episcopal Academy’s Churchwomen are ranked #12 nationally by USA Lacrosse and #2 in Pennsylvania by MaxPreps. As of mid-May, they have a 14–3 record and have secured a #2 seed in the PAISAA (PA Independent School Athletic Association) tournament.

Midfielder Sofia Gagliardi, known for her speed and defensive pressure, was named the USA Lacrosse Magazine MidAtlantic Player of the Week. As of mid-season, she had 36 goals. She’s committed to the University of Maryland. Caitlin McCarthy, the team’s defensive anchor, is committed to play at Duke University. She’s

highly regarded for her leadership and ability to cause turnovers, with 28 in 17 games.

The Agnes Irwin Owls, led by Coach Lauren Wray, currently holds a 13–4 overall record. The team has two standout attackers, Margo Chisholm and Ella Garner.

Chisholm, known as a strong dodger, feeder and cutter, will be attending Boston College next season, where she’s joining her sister, Caroline, who plays on the field hockey team. Garner will play lacrosse for the University of Pennsylvania. She’s a multi-time American Select National Champion.

The Notre Dame team’s current record is 18–7 as of mid-May, and they’re ranked #9 in Pennsylvania by MaxPreps. It’s been on a winning streak of late.

Senior Keira McHugh is a First-Team All-Inter-Ac selection and committed to Boston College. She’s a top-tier midfielder known for her playmaking and drawcontrol ability. Junior Riley Davis, a midfielder, is widely ranked as the #1 player in the country for the Class of ’27. Committed to Penn State, she recorded 50 goals and 6 assists through mid-May and is a dom-

inant force on the draw circle plus a constant scoring threat.

BASEBALL

The Malvern Prep Friars had a 31–4 record in mid-May and are generally ranked #1 among schools in Pennsylvania. Head Coach Freddy Hilliard, now in his 16th season, has become the most successful coach in the school’s history.

The team is led by two seniors, Brady Abate and Jack Herbein. Right-fielder Abate, who throws right-handed but bats left-handed, is currently batting .370 with an on-base percentage of .578. He’s committed to Wake Forest. Right-hander Herbein is the team’s pitching ace, with a record of 7–1, a 1.32 ERA, 48 strikeouts (well over 100 for his career) and a 90-mph fastball, as well as a strong curveball, slider and changeup. In the top 15% of his class, he’ll take his talents to Lafayette College.

ROWING

Malvern Prep won the Philadelphia City rowing championship and the fiverace Horvat Series Trophy on the Schuylkill

5. Notre Dame’s Keira McHugh

6. Episcopal Academy’s Ava Cavanaugh

River. All of the school’s 12 entries made it to the finals, according to Coach James Konopka. Jack Arbogast and Brendan Schuck were two of the team’s strongest rowers, both named to the USRowing Scholastic Honor Roll, demonstrating excellence in both academics and competitive rowing. Arbogast has committed to Wesleyan University and Schuck to the University of San Diego.

Agnes Irwin scored #2 in the Philadelphia rowing championship. Seniors Ella Etherington, headed to Trinity College, and Lane Howard, headed to University of Virginia, were in the varsity squad.

TRACK

Ranked at #1 in Pennsylvania in the 400 meters, Episcopal Academy’s Abaas Hunter is “one of the top sprinters around,” said Coach Zach Richards. A six-time Pennsylvania Independent School state champion, Hunter ran the 400 meters in 46.48 seconds and is currently favored to win the 200 meters and 400 meters at the upcoming outdoor state championships. “The younger athletes look up to him not just because of what he can do, but because of who he is. He’s made our whole program, and our community, better by being part of it.” Hunter is committed to the University of North Carolina.

Episcopal’s distance coach, Eric Mundy, described junior Ava Cavanaugh as “a fierce competitor and supportive teammate.” She finished #5 at Nike Indoor Nationals and won the 400 meters — a meet and school record — in the Delaware County Track Championships. She’ll race in the PAISAA state championship meet before heading

Post-Season Tournaments*

Boys’ Lacrosse. In the PA Independent School Athletic Association (PAISAA), Malvern Prep is #1 seed, Haverford is #2 and Episcopal is #3 in the tournament. Malvern played its quarterfinal match, winning 17–2. The semifinal, against Hill School, was on May 19, with the finals on May 21.

Girls’ Lacrosse. Agnes Irwin is #1 seed, Episcopal is #2 and Notre Dame is #6 in the PAISAA Tournament. Agnes Irwin won its quarterfinal match. On May 19, it played Penn Charter in the semifinals. Opponents and location of the championship on May 21 to be determined.

Baseball. Malvern Prep was the #1 seed in the PAISAA Tournament and had its first game at its home field. Malvern Prep likely faced Perkiomen School for the championship on May 22 at Malvern Prep. Rowing/Sculling. The Stotesbury Cup Regatta, the largest high school regatta in the nation, ran on May 15–16. Malvern Prep won the senior quad and won 14 medals overall. Episcopal’s girls and Agnes Irwin finished #1 and #2 in the senior quad, battling down to the wire.

Track. Haverford School won the title at the PAISAA championship meet on May 16. Abaas Hunter won the 400 meters for Episcopal.

*Some of the action occurred after press time. Check results online.

out to Oregon in June to compete in the Nike Outdoor Nationals.

POST-SEASON

The post-season started in mid-May, after our press date. Malvern Prep, Episcopal Academy, Agnes Irwin School and Academy of Notre Dame all are expected have continued success. Many top athletes will play at home games. (See the sidebar.) We hope you can catch one or two. And we hope they win! ©

THIS JUNE, AS THE SUN reaches its zenith, we find ourselves at the gateway to the year’s most enchanted season. The Summer Solstice — known as Litha to the ancient Celts and Geshi to the Japanese — is more than just the longest day of the year. It’s a global moment of transition, when one culture uses fire to strengthen the sun and another uses water or ice to purify the soul. A thinning of the veil where the brilliance of the midday sun meets the pull of the midsummer moon.

LIGHT THE BONFIRES

Long before the solstice became a date for backyard barbecues, it was a night of “bone fires.” Communities across Ireland and Scotland would gather the bones of the season’s feasts and cast them into communal pyres to strengthen the sun, release the animals’ spirits in gratitude, and ward off evil.

One way to mark the event and honor its history is with Macallan Highland Sin-

Sing in the Sunshine, Dance in the Moonlight

AND TOAST THE SOLSTICE

Liz Tarditi

gle Malt Scotch Double Cask 12 Year Old ($47.99), a balanced single malt scotch with flavors of honey, citrus and ginger. Its name is derived from the Celtic word magh, meaning a fertile piece of land.

By the 16th century, these celebrations evolved into an Elizabethan tradition of “good amity.” Neighbors would set tables with sweet bread and drink to reconcile old feuds under the lingering light, believing bonfires “purged the infection of the air.”

To honor this tradition of serving sweet drinks in amity, Five Farms Irish Cream ($34.99), the world’s premier farm-to-table liqueur, provides a velvety finish, especially poured over ice cream or served alongside a dark chocolate sea salt tart.

THE LEGEND OF THE ELDER MOTHER

In Celtic and Germanic traditions, the elder tree was inhabited by Hyldemoer, the Elder Mother, a powerful spirit that guarded the plant. Considered a magical

herb of healing and protection, elder trees were deemed unlucky to prune without chanting a rhyme for permission. Folklore warns that if you fall asleep under an elder tree on Midsummer Eve, you might be transported to the fairy realm, as the fragrance was thought to be a doorway to the supernatural Fae.

To capture a hint of these magical elder trees, sip St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur ($36.99), with its stunning botanical scent of blossoms hand-picked at the foot of the Alps. It mixes with any citrus or floral summer cocktail. Or try Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic Water (four-pack, $6.19), offering a light character with the sweet elderflower perfectly balanced by the soft bitterness of quinine.

For a nod to the pagan Vikings, try Absolut Citron Vodka ($19.99). Produced in the heart of ancient “Northman” territory in Åhus, Sweden, this vodka is crafted with locally sourced winter wheat and zero sugar for a vibrant lemon burst.

Swedish midsummer remains the most famous modern descendant of these traditions, involving flower crowns and dancing around the majstång, or maypole.

YIN AND YANG

In ancient Chinese cosmology, the summer solstice represents the ultimate tipping point. This is the day Yang (active, solar energy) is at its strongest. Yet, at the very moment Yang reaches its peak, Yin (cool, receptive energy) is born again at the center. As we reach the peak heat, we transition from Chinese fire to the Japanese ritual of Geshisai at Meoto Iwa, where pilgrims enter the ocean at sunrise. They bathe as the sun rises between the “Married Couple Rocks” in an act of Misogi, or water purification, to recharge the soul.

This brings us to the art of Japanese kakigori, or shaved ice, once reserved for the elite to cleanse the spirit. Kakigori-style cocktails are the elegant, softer version of snow cones, with spirits poured over snow-like shaved ice. Recreate this cooling purification at home with an ice shaver and Daily’s Frozen Cocktail Pouches ($2.99). Made in Pennsylvania with real juice, the four flavor options are light, fresh and low-alcohol enough for a poolside afternoon.

The kakigori method also transforms an Aperol spritz, pineapple margarita or

mimosa into an elevated icy treat. Aperol Aperitivo ($28.99) is the classic Italian spirit made from oranges and rhubarb. Casamigos Tequila Blanco ($49.99) offers notes of vanilla, citrus and sweet agave with a clean finish. Finally, Mionetto Organic Prosecco ($17.69) merges fragrances of acacia blossoms with tastes of golden apple, perfect for a soul-refreshing sip that balances the summer sun.

In this season of global transition, may we find that same balance within ourselves, tending to our own inner light as we celebrate the balance of the world around us. May the long day of the solstice find you in good amity, and as the sun turns toward the moon, please remember to drink responsibly. ©

Liz Tarditi, WSET II, is an entrepreneur and classically trained chef with 35 years’ of culinary experience. She graduated from Villanova University and the Culinary Arts program at the Art Institute of Seattle. Liz has worked for Fine Wine & Good Spirits for several years, becoming a Wine Specialist in 2020. She enjoys pairing wine and food for special events and celebrations. See her at the Villanova Fine Wine & Good Spirits location.

Food News

Proximity. For the new enoteca, Proximity Wine Bar, opening in former Catherine’s restaurant spot, that covers wines from producers within a 100-mile radius. Former Chaddsford Winery’s Corey Krejcik dreamed of this community-centered celebration of local producers and local agriculture, featuring hyper-local wines and a seasonally inspired menu by Chef Steve Forte. Penns Woods Winery, Casa Carmen Wines, Stony Run Winery and Walz Vineyard will provide the early offerings. 1701 W. Doe Run Rd., Unionville. ProximityWineBar.com

West Chester 0, Wilmington 1.

Iron Hill Brewery’s former West Chester location on Gay and High Streets will become another MaGerk’s Pub & Grill (also in Lionville), a Marylandbased franchise for pub-style food. Meanwhile, the Iron Hill on Wilmington’s Riverfront reopened Mother’s Day, under management by a group including original founder Mark Edelson. Five other Iron Hills have been salvaged so far since their abrupt closure in 2025. 620 Justison St., Wilmington. IronHillBrewery.us

Our Bad. When a neighborhood gathering spot turns 80, the celebration should continue all year. So, although we missed the April milestone for West Chester’s Square Bar — with the regulars and new fans at the parking lot party — we suggest a visit to check out what’s contributed to its longevity. Weekday Happy Hours, 4 to 6 p.m.? T-shirts plus a new sign? Decide for yourself. 250 E. Chestnut St. SquareBarWC.com

Hard Stuff. West Chester distillery Cutter & Cannon Spirits is expanding from their original Carter Drive location with plans to open a tasting room, bar and bottle shop on Gay Street, across from the old post office. Look for ample seating for sipping their specialty cocktails from house-made run, whiskey, bourbon and gin. Check social media for progress. 104 E. Gay St. & 210 Carter Dr. CutterAndCannon.com

Not NA Beer. Responding to beer-drinking trends, Pottstown’s Sly Fox Brewing has collaborated with Lehigh Valley’s Pivo Nova Brewing to produce PA’s first mid-strength craft beer brand, Soul Tone with 2.5% ABV. The full-bodied, hoppy West Coast-style IPA and a crisp German-style lager are brewed with traditional methods to retain authentic craft flavor but with a lower alcohol level. Available for responsible enjoyment in bars, restaurants and at retail outlets. SoulToneBeer.com

[ ] Brandywine Table

Adventures by the Scoop

JUNE IS FOR ICE

CREAM

Liz Tarditi

JUNE INVITES US TO STEP outside and savor the rhythms of the season — the hum of cicadas, the glow of late sunsets and the quiet joy of small community rituals. In the Brandywine Valley, that often means a drive down a familiar road that somehow feels new again, a stop in a bustling town center or a lingering moment over a melting scoop shared on a warm evening. Ice cream, more than just a treat, becomes part of the landscape itself — a marker of summer, of connection and those fleeting, golden hours we wish we could hold onto just a little longer.

Long before it became a staple of American summers, early versions of frozen desserts traveled across continents with explorers like Marco Polo, whose accounts helped introduce new ideas about chilled sweets to Europe. Centuries later, innovation brought those ideas into everyday life when Nancy Johnson patented the hand-cranked ice cream freezer in 1843, transforming what had once been a labor-intensive luxury into something families could create and enjoy together.

Today, that spirit of discovery continues across Pennsylvania, where the PA Ice Cream Trail highlights dozens of creameries

— including several in Chester County — encouraging locals and visitors alike to explore, taste and collect new favorites along the way. Among them, Hangry Bear Creamery in Kennett Square stands out as both a destination and an experience, recently earning national attention with a television feature on Good Morning America’s “Deals & Steals.”

Conceived by owner and operator Melinda Shaw during her years managing the University of Delaware’s UDairy Creamery, Hangry Bear reflects both technical expertise and a sense of play. She and husband Erick have built more than a scoop shop — it’s a welcoming space where guests are encouraged to linger. From small-batch ice creams available by the scoop, pint or quart to a full menu of brunch, lunch and dinner, coffee service, Pennsylvania ciders and cocktails, the Creamery invites visitors to stay awhile. Community is woven into the experience as well, from ice cream-making parties — including two holiday parties for County Lines staff — and custom flavor creations to events like a monthly book club gathering on June 27.

Even the name is personal, inspired by the owners’ son Charlie — the “Bear” — a

reminder to embrace joy and keep things a little playful. That same spirit carries through the recipes that follow, from a quick affogato and grilled fruit fresh off the fire to a surprisingly rich no-churn avocado ice cream and a build-your-own ice cream cake.

In the end, the magic of ice cream isn’t just in how it’s made — it’s in where you find it, who you share it with and the moments that melt into memory.

Hangry Bear Creamery 6-pack of custom ice cream, as seen on Good Morning America

Ice cream-making party at Hangry Bear Creamery

S’more Affogato

Italians treat the affogato al caffè like a “secret menu” item — while you’ll rarely see it written on a menu, every barista or gelateria will gladly craft one with the espresso and gelato they have on hand. Whether enjoyed as an elegant conclusion to a meal or an afternoon pick-me-up, this simple pour-over is a staple of Italian culture. Vanilla gelato is traditional, but for a textured variation, try a scoop of Kara Needs S’more Coffee from Hangry Bear Creamery. Its rich coffee base, marshmallows and chocolate notes perfectly echo the hot espresso while adding a playful texture and depth.

For each serving:

2 scoops high-quality ice cream, such as Hangry Bear Creamery

Vanilla, Charlie’s Chocolate or Kara Needs S’more Coffee

1 shot (1½ oz.) freshly brewed espresso or very strong coffee

Splash of amaretto, Frangelico or Irish cream (optional)

Shaved dark chocolate, chopped hazelnuts or crushed biscotti (optional)

Place scoops of gelato in a small glass or dessert bowl. Pour hot espresso directly over the gelato. Serve immediately.

Grilled Stone Fruits with Ice Cream

Warm, caramelized stone fruits are one of summer’s simplest pleasures, their natural sugars intensifying over the grill. If you’re already cooking outdoors, add the fruit while everyone is eating, or grill ahead and rewarm in a foil packet over low heat for an easy finish. An assortment of ice creams keeps everyone happy!

2 T. unsalted butter, melted

3 T. local honey, divided

¼ tsp. ground cinnamon

3 firm, slightly underripe peaches or nectarines, halved and pitted

3 firm, slightly underripe plums or apricots, halved and pitted

Pinch of kosher salt

6 generous scoops of a variety of ice cream (such as Butter Pecan, Buttered Stroopwafel, Cherry Blossom or Lavender Lemon Cheesecake from Hangry Bear Creamery)

Fresh mint, basil leaves or edible flowers (optional)

Preheat grill to medium heat. Combine the melted butter, 1 T. local honey, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.

Lightly brush the cut sides of the halved peaches or nectarines and the halved plums or apricots with the butter mixture.

Place the fruit, cut-side down, on the hot grill grates. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes until deep grill marks form. Flip the fruit over so the skin side is down. Baste the cut side with any remaining butter mixture. Close the grill lid and cook for another 2 to 5 minutes until the fruit is heated through and tender.

Transfer the grilled fruit to individual bowls. Drizzle with the remaining 2 T. local honey and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt. Serve warm with a generous scoop (or two) of assorted ice cream favors. Garnish with fresh mint, basil leaves or edible flowers if desired.

Homemade Avocado Ice Cream — No Churn Needed!

Using avocados results in a full-fat, deliciously decadent ice cream, resulting in a very rich, creamy mouthfeel with healthy monounsaturated fats. This is a good base recipe that can go in many directions. It can be made fully plant-based by substituting bananas, coconut milk and maple syrup for the dairy, or adding cocoa for a chocolate variation.

Serves 6

Take the Pennsylvania Ice Cream Trail

Looking for a reason to explore beyond your usual stops?

The Pennsylvania Ice Cream Trail, organized by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, is a seasonal program that invites visitors to discover creameries across the state while supporting local dairy farms.

Typically running from late spring through early fall, the trail features dozens of participating farms and shops, including several in Chester County. In addition to Hangry Bear Creamery, other notable stops on the trail include Chester Springs Creamery at Milky Way Farm, Baily’s Dairy of Pocopson Meadow Farm, La Michoacana in Kennett Square, and Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream in Berwyn and Downingtown. Travelers can sign up for a free digital passport, check in at each location and earn points toward prizes, all while sampling small-batch ice creams, farmfresh milk and other dairy treats along the way.

More than just a checklist, the trail offers a chance to experience the diversity of Pennsylvania’s dairy culture — from working farms to modern creameries — each with its own flavors, specialties and story. Whether you visit one stop or plan a full-day adventure, it’s an easy way to turn a simple scoop into a summer outing.

VisitPA.com/Scooped

Serves 6

3 medium ripe avocados, halved and pitted

1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk

1 T. freshly squeezed lime juice

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Pinch of kosher salt

1½ C. cold heavy whipping cream

Scoop the flesh of the avocados into a blender or food processor. Add the sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, vanilla extract and a pinch of kosher salt. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and silky with no green lumps remaining.

Pour the cold heavy whipping cream into a large separate bowl. Whip the cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold the blended avocado mixture into the whipped cream in three batches, moving carefully so you don’t deflate the cream.

Transfer the completed mixture to a 9"x5" metal loaf pan or a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top and cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface of the cream to prevent browning. Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.

To serve, scoop into bowls.

Build-Your-Own Ice Cream Cake Terrine with Chocolate Crunch

Inspired by the classic chocolate-and-vanilla ice cream cakes many of us grew up with, this version leans into the same sense of fun and creativity that defines Hangry Bear Creamery. Just as guests there mix and match flavors and toppings, this recipe invites you to assemble your own dessert — starting with a quick homemade magic shell that creates the signature chocolate crunch layer.

Serves 6

For the magic shell:

1 C. chocolate chips (white, dark or milk) or colored candy melts 2 T. refined coconut oil

Place chocolate chips or candy melts and coconut oil in a dry, microwave-safe glass bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.

Do not overheat, especially when using white chocolate. Chocolate and coconut oil are shelf-stable. Refrigeration in the next step will cause the mixture to harden.

For the chocolate crunch:

2 C. chocolate wafer cookies, finely crushed ½ C. prepared dark chocolate magic shell

Place crushed cookies in a medium bowl. Pour magic shell over the crumbs and stir until evenly coated and the mixture resembles damp sand.

Spread into an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes, until set. Break into small pieces.

For the whipped ice cream cake icing:

1 tsp. unflavored gelatin

1 T. cold water

1 C. cold heavy whipping cream

2 T. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let stand 1 minute. Microwave 10 to 15 seconds, until dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly.

Pour heavy cream into a chilled bowl. Whip until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. With mixer running, slowly drizzle in the gelatin mixture. Continue whipping until medium peaks form.

For the terrine assembly:

1½ qt. chocolate ice cream, slightly softened, such as Hangry Bear’s Charlie’s Chocolate

Chocolate crunch

1½ qt. second flavor of ice cream, slightly softened, such as Hangry Bear’s Unicorn Toots

Whipped ice cream cake icing

Line a 9"x5" loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving overhang on all sides. Spread chocolate ice cream evenly into the bottom of the pan. Freeze 30 to 40 minutes, until firm. Sprinkle an even layer of chocolate crunch over the top, pressing lightly to adhere.

How to Prevent Ice Crystals in Homemade Ice Cream

Ice crystals are the biggest challenge in homemade ice cream, often turning a creamy dessert into something icy and grainy. The key is controlling both moisture and temperature.

Fat and sugar play an important role. Recipes that include cream, egg yolks or sweetened condensed milk tend to freeze more smoothly because they lower the freezing point and limit ice formation. Air also matters — properly whipped or churned mixtures incorporate air, which helps create a softer texture.

Storage is just as important as preparation. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before freezing to prevent exposure to air. Keep ice cream toward the back of the freezer, where temperatures are most stable, and avoid repeated thawing and refreezing, which encourages large ice crystals to form.

Spread second flavor of ice cream over the top, smoothing to the edges. Cover and freeze at least 6 hours or overnight, until fully set. To serve, lift from the pan using the plastic wrap. Spread or pipe whipped icing over the top. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts. ©

Liz Tarditi is a chef and wine specialist with more than 30 years of experience in food, wine and event planning. She holds degrees from Villanova University and from a Seattle culinary arts program founded by a Certified French Master Chef, where she trained in a classic brigade-style kitchen. Liz later ran her own catering company and has worked as a wine specialist in Pennsylvania. She brings her training and lifelong passion for seasonal, approachable cooking to Brandywine Table.

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